Brain Aging and Barbells (How Lifting Weights Slows Cognitive Decline) | Ep 474

Can lifting weights slow how fast your brain ages? A new study used brain scans to measure exactly that. The results show that resistance training is a uniquely beneficial tool for brain health that works through different pathways than cardio. Lifting weights can make the brain test younger on functional MRI, and the benefits may keep compounding even long after you train.  Learn what brain age measures, why the prefrontal cortex matters for Alzheimer's and cognitive aging, the muscle-to-brain signaling system activated by strength training, and how heavy lifting compares to moderate intensity for protecting the brain after 40. Plus a quick self-check for strength-related dementia risk, especially after 40.  Enroll in Eat More Lift Heavy (https://eatmoreliftheavy.com) , the 26-week coached program where adults over 40 build the nutrition and training skills to lift heavy, build muscle, lose fat, and stay strong and sharp for decades.  Timestamps: 0:00 - Lifting weights and brain aging 0:47 - Dementia risk and strength training over 40 3:58 - Aerobic exercise and the hippocampus 6:00 - Prefrontal cortex and muscle signaling 7:48 - Recent study and brain age scans 10:21 - Brain age gap and dementia risk 11:30 - Results across both lifting intensities 13:12 - Myokines, irisin, and BDNF 16:57 - How to build skills for lifting weights (https://eatmoreliftheavy.com) 18:30 - Lifting protocol for brain health 20:45 - Entry points for new lifters 24:15 - Grip strength and dementia risk 💪 Join Eat More Lift Heavy (https://eatmoreliftheavy.com/) - a 26-week evidence-based strength training and fat loss program for lifters over 40 to build muscle, lose fat, and maintain your weight loss and physique (even in perimenopause and menopause) 📱 Get Fitness Lab (https://witsandweights.com/app) - AI-powered coaching app for evidence-based fitness and nutrition over 40. Real-time, personalized guidance that evolves with your data and lifestyle to help you build muscle, lose fat, and body recomp 👥 Join our Facebook community (https://bit.ly/3vyLDqO) -  For adults over 40 who want to build muscle with strength training and lose fat with evidence-based nutrition. Support for lifting weights, hypertrophy, fat loss, and hormones. 👋 Ask a question (https://www.witsandweights.com/question) or find Philip Pape (evidence-based nutrition coach) on Instagram (  / witsandweights  ) & thanks for making us one of the best fat loss and nutrition podcasts for adults over 40! 🙏