The overall goal of this project is to investigate the effects of resistance training (RT) on cognition and overall brain health in older adults. Mounting evidence suggests that long-term RT can help maintain cognitive abilities with aging. These central issues are especially relevant with the prevalence of age-associated cognitive decline and dementia steadily increasing worldwide. Successful treatment likely requires an emphasis on maximum adherence to presymptomatic neuroprotective therapies, as opposed to disease reversal. Thus, demonstrating rapid health benefits following higher-intensity RT may improve the clinical utility of such interventions. In addition, further investigations are necessary to understand the mechanisms of RT-induced cognitive enhancement that link skeletal muscle physiology and function with brain morphology and neuroplasticity.

We hypothesize that RT improves cognitive function through muscular strength and cerebrovascular adaptations. RT may be a vital form of exercise to maintain both the physical and cognitive capacities necessary for functional independence in older adults.

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