CAN You “Outrun” Alzheimer’s? [NEW Evidence!]
Can you outrun an Alzheimer’s diagnosis?
I’d say the answer is yes.
Many studies show exercise CAN stave off dementia.
In fact, last week, I told you about a guardian hormone released when you exercise that helps protect your brain by getting rid of harmful amyloid beta plaque.
Today, I’ll share the details about a specific type of movement that new research reveals could SLASH your risk of Alzheimer’s.
For the new study, researchers used data gathered from more than 450,000 participants in the UK Biobank, both with and without Alzheimer’s.
They estimated lean muscle and fat tissue in the arms and legs of the volunteers. And they found higher lean muscle mass was associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s.
A follow-up study measuring lean muscle in the trunk and whole body confirmed the link.
Plus—just as exciting—having more lean muscle was also associated with better cognitive function.
Lean muscle is the kind that makes you look more defined and athletic, not bulky. Because developing lean muscle is NOT about how BIG your muscles are.
Instead, to achieve lean muscle, you’ll need a combination of…
- nutrition (fewer calories but plenty of protein),
- strength training,
- and recovery time.
When you have lean muscle, you’ll LOOK healthier, daily activities are easier, AND you’ll be guarding against Alzheimer’s disease.
The best way to obtain lean muscle is through resistance-type exercises such as squats, wall pushups, and resistance bands (as opposed to lifting weights).
P.S. Dodge dementia with this “toothbrush” trick.
SOURCE:
Daghlas I, et al., “Genetically proxied lean mass and risk of Alzheimer’s disease: mendelian randomisation study,” BMJ Medicine 2023;2:e000354. doi: 10.1136/ bmjmed-2022-000354
