If you want to maintain mental sharpness well into your golden years and stave off conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia, Arnold Schwarzenegger offers straightforward guidance. In a recent newsletter, Schwarzenegger shared a valuable insight while shedding light on a misconception floating for ages.

Schwarzenegger has been an advocate not only for physical but also mental health for decades now. In addition to spreading awareness about mental health, his ex-wife Maria Shriver, and son Patrick Schwarzenegger, are actively involved in efforts to combat Alzheimer’s. Contrary to the stereotype, Schwarzenegger pointed out that individuals who engage in weight training may be at a lower risk of developing these debilitating diseases.

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s advice for better brain health

According to the bodybuilding icon, “Big muscles, tiny brain” doesn’t just perpetuate an insulting stereotype; it’s also scientifically inaccurate. Research has shown that children who participate in resistance training experience improvements in cognitive function, academic performance, and behavior. This led scientists to delve deeper into whether resistance training could also benefit adults.

In the newsletter, he emphasized, that studies have revealed that maintaining a stronger body can lead to a healthier and younger brain. For instance, adults who engaged in heavy weightlifting twice a week for six months showed greater improvements in cognitive function compared to those who focused solely on brain training exercises. This highlights the importance of incorporating resistance training into one’s fitness regimen for overall brain health.

Furthermore, lifting weights doesn’t just pump up your muscles; it also increases brain volume. Cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia are associated with brain atrophy. By engaging in resistance exercises, individuals not only protect their brains against these diseases but also enhance memory, learning, focus, and overall cognitive performance.

Meanwhile, his ex-wife, who actively works on treatment and medical assistance for those affected by this disease, recently opened a new research department in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic.

Maria Shriver’s fight against Alzheimer’s

Maria Shriver’s ultimate goal is to find a solid medicine to combat Alzheimer’s. Shriver actively raises awareness and supports women’s medical needs, too. Recently, she co-hosted a luncheon called “The Power of Research: The Need for Gender Equity.” It brought together the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement, Cleveland Clinic, and the Society for Women’s Health Research.

Shriver stressed the importance of teamwork, saying, “Partnerships are crucial. We don’t achieve much alone.” Shriver admired the gathering of smart researchers, thinkers, and scientists. They came together to find a cure for Alzheimer’s and ensure fair treatment for women’s health issues.

Moving on, Schwarzenegger’s advice in his newsletter emphasized the vital link between physical fitness and cognitive decline, debunking stereotypes about age-related issues. Let us know your opinion about their efforts to fight the incurable disease.