Peer-reviewed study
Resistance exercise may support cognition in older adults
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of resistance exercise on cognitive function in older adults
Last updated 2026-07-21
Kris Oddo, NASM-certified personal trainer, is the founder and head coach of Gains From Geebs (Geebs Coaching), a 1:1 online fitness coaching practice.
Quick answer
What this study found
Strength training may support long-term function and cognition as well as muscle and appearance.
How strong is this kind of study?
- Reviews of many studiesThis study
- Controlled trials
- Observational
- Narrative reviews
Systematic review and meta-analysis. Heavier plates are built from more studies, so they move less when the next one lands.
At a glance
What kind of study this is
Strongest evidence
This pools results from many separate studies, so it carries more weight than any single trial on its own.
- Design
- Systematic review and meta-analysis
- Published
- 2025
- Journal
- Frontiers in Psychiatry
- Reference
- PMID 41503279
Honest limits
What this study does not prove.
The evidence was drawn from older adults and does not show that lifting treats dementia or guarantees better memory for every participant.

Kris's practical takeaway
Here's what to do with it.
Strength training may support long-term function and cognition as well as muscle and appearance.
Ways to use it
Safe ways to apply it.
Lifting trains more than muscle
Strength work belongs in a healthy-aging plan
Supporting cognition is not the same as treating dementia
Related guides and studies
Keep learning about anti-aging.
FAQ
Quick questions
What is the practical takeaway from this study?
Strength training may support long-term function and cognition as well as muscle and appearance.
What does this study not prove?
The evidence was drawn from older adults and does not show that lifting treats dementia or guarantees better memory for every participant.
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