How Strength Training Affects Cognitive Function and Memory

1. Strength Training and Brain Chemistry: The Neurotransmitter Boost

When you engage in resistance exercise, your body releases many neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin which help boost focus, motivation, and regulate mood and recovery. In addition, it also releases Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), commonly referred to as the “fertilizer of the brain” due to its help in supporting the development of new neurons in the brain. This correlates to a study from the University of Sydney which found that individuals who engaged in regular resistance training showed improved memory recall and executive function compared to those who did not [1].

2. The Role of Blood Flow and Oxygenation

Your brain functions due to the constant oxygen and nutrients that it receives through your blood. Strength training increases heart rate, which increases the blood flow to and from the brain, pumping more oxygen-rich blood to the brain. This process therefore enhances cognitive clarity and may slow down age-related cognitive decline. Though the long-term effects haven’t been directly confirmed, it has already been proven that even a single session of resistance training can lead to better short-term memory [2].

3. Strength Training and the Hippocampus: Protecting Against Cognitive Decline

As people age, the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory, naturally shrinks, leading to memory lapses and an increased risk of dementia.  However, resistance training has been shown to increase the volume of the hippocampus by adding new neurons and increasing the connections between them, effectively slowing cognitive decline. A 2016 study published in NeuroImage found that older adults who performed strength training twice a week experienced significant improvements in hippocampal function, potentially reducing their risk of Alzheimer’s [3].

Written by: Jeswith