Waning Muscle Strength Is a Hidden Warning
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted June 12, 2023
Losing some strength is a natural part of aging. That’s when you start to slow down a little.
But there’s a fine line between normal muscle loss and too much.
When you start to have a lot of trouble getting up, walking, sitting down, or gripping things in your hand, you may have CROSSED that line.
But it’s not just the loss of mobility that’s a problem. Developing the dreaded “senior shuffle” could also be a sign of something far MORE sinister looming just over the horizon.
According to new research published in the Journal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle, a more dramatic slowdown later in life could be a red flag for dementia.
The study focused on two measures of physical health:
- grip strength
- the timed-up-and-go (TUG) test
Grip strength is just what it sounds like. Researchers test how strongly you can hold onto something.
For a TUG test, they time how long it takes you to rise from a chair, walk three meters (nine feet), turn around, and then sit back down. It’s a good way to judge muscle strength.
The research revealed that when older folks have low grip strength and a low TUG test, they’re far more likely to eventually develop dementia.
In fact, women with the WEAKEST grip strength were TWICE as likely to be diagnosed with dementia as the strongest women. And both men and women with the slowest TUG test times were TWICE as likely to develop dementia as their speediest peers.
Now there is a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation here. Does staying in shape reduce dementia risk? Or does dementia lead to a drop in physical strength?
But data gathered from earlier studies lean towards the first scenario. This means keeping your muscles in shape could help keep your brain in shape.
Regardless of age, the MOST critical factor in developing and maintaining muscle is, of course, exercise: Regular walking is a great place to start, increasing your speed and distance as you gain strength.
But don’t stop there. And in some resistance exercises too.
Consider going to your local gym to have someone help you choose the muscle-building exercises that will work best for you. They can also help you with your form so you do them safely and get the most benefits.
But you can also check out free videos on YouTube that feature strength-building for seniors.
It’s also essenital to provide your body with the muscle-friendly nutrients it needs. And that includes the following:
- Magnesium helps build muscles, promotes muscle relaxation, and prevents cramping.
- Vitamin D is necessary for strengthening bones. Plus, it supports muscle growth and maintenance by helping to produce testosterone in both men and women.
- Protein is essential for muscle building and repair. Be sure to eat a wide variety of proteins such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy.
- Vitamin B12 is vital for oxygen delivery to muscles.
As always, check with your doctor BEFORE starting on any new supplements.
P.S. When you’re frail, you’re vulnerable. You’ve lost your built-in reserves, so even minor changes, such as an infection, can trigger major declines in your health. THIS potent combo can dramatically reduce your risk.
Source:
“Impaired muscle function, including its decline, is related to greater long-term late-life dementia risk in older women,” Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia, and Muscle, First published: 19 April 2023, doi.org/10.1002/jcsm.13227
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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