Exercise therapy and brain function in the elderly

Education Series by Randy Hebert, MD, Medical Director

I think most of us are aware that doing regular mental activities (e.g. reading, puzzles, etc.) is good for brain health. Interestingly, new research is demonstrating that physical exercise like walking can help.

Even more impressive is that resistance exercises (e.g. using weights or exercise bands) can help reverse or slow down dementia progression.

Resistance exercises are not only good for our muscles; they are good for our brain.

Goetzl, Edward J. “Cognition-preserving exercise therapy for neurodegenerative diseases of the elderly.” The American Journal of Medicine (2026).