Key points from article :
Loss of muscle strength and not muscle mass is associated with declining cognitive health.
Results from a computer-based test assessing psychomotor function were analysed along with physical health evaluations.
Strong relationship between hand grip strength, walking speed and psychomotor function was found.
Muscle strength deteriorates more quickly than muscle mass.
Parallel decline in cognitive function and loss of muscle strength places elderly people at increased risk of personal injury.
Study included men over 60 who were followed up from 1990.
Ms Sophia Sui at Deakin University: ”Targeted muscle strengthening exercises, healthy weight and protein rich diet could help delay cognitive decline”.
Research by Deakin University published in Nature.
