Strength Training & Dementia: The Powerful Connection
Most people think of strength training as a way to build muscle, prevent injuries, and stay active—but did you know that higher levels of strength are associated with a lower risk of dementia?
A study of over 460,000 adults in the UK (average age: 56.6 years) measured participants’ hand grip strength and tracked them for about nine years. Researchers recorded those who developed dementia and/or died from it.
The results?
📉 The stronger the individual, the lower their risk of dementia—and the risk kept declining even at the highest levels of strength.
💪 Those with the lowest levels of hand grip strength had a 72% higher risk of developing dementia and an 87% higher risk of dying from it compared to the strongest individuals.
These findings held true even after accounting for age, sex, BMI, lifestyle habits, and other health conditions. In other words, strength itself was a key factor—not just other elements of a person’s health or lifestyle.
Why Strength Matters at Every Age
If You’re Younger Than 56…
The best time to build strength is now—before you reach the age where cognitive decline becomes a concern. Strength training is like a retirement fund for your health—the more you build early, the more protection you have later.
Building strength early in life sets you up for better brain health, stronger bones, and better mobility as you age.
If you’re in your 30s, 40s, or early 50s, you still have time to build a strong foundation and reduce your dementia risk later on.
If You’re 56 or Older…
It’s not too late to reverse course. The green avatar in our last post represents those who start strength training in mid-life and significantly improve their health. Research shows that people who start strength training later in life can regain lost muscle, improve cognitive function, and stay independent for longer.
👉 You don’t have to be a bodybuilder. Even small increases in strength can have a big impact on your health and longevity.
That’s where APEX PWR comes in. Whether you’re a beginner, returning after time away, or looking to take your fitness to the next level, our team can help.
How to Build Strength with APEX PWR
Our science-backed strength training programs make it easy to get started, stay consistent, and see results.
💥 Group Training – Build strength in a fun, supportive community.
💪 Personal Training – Get a custom program tailored to your needs.
🦵 Physical Therapy – Recover from injury and regain strength safely.
👉 Get started today: apexpwr.com
The Bottom Line: Strength Training is a Safe Bet Against Cognitive Decline
No one knows exactly what life will bring, but we can stack the deck in our favor. Strength training is one of the best long-term investments you can make in your health, mobility, and independence.
🚀 The earlier you start, the better. But it’s never too late to take action.
Let’s get STRONGER with age and build a future of strength, resilience, and cognitive health—together. 💪
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