New data suggests strength training could lessen the impact of dementia for some aging women. Researchers at the University of British Columbia released data on their new study on April 23, noting aerobic training did not have a significant impact on the treatment of dementia, while strength and resistance training did.
Professor Teresa Liu-Ambrose and her team worked with 77 women between the ages of 70 and 80. They started with a series of baseline cognitive tests and then prescribed a 60-minute exercise class twice a week for six months. One third of the women lifted weights while one third did an aerobic program and one third did balancing and toning.
By the end of the trial they found the women in the strength training group enjoyed significant cognitive improvements as compared to the those in aerobics and balance/toning groups.
"Most studies have looked at aerobic training, but this study compares both aerobic and strength training," explained Liu-Ambrose.
"And among people who don't yet have dementia but are already at a high risk in terms of mild memory and executive function impairment, our study shows that strength training, but not aerobics training, does have benefits for cognition."
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Health News
June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.