REVIEW article
Front. Physiol.
Sec. Exercise Physiology
Volume 16 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/fphys.2025.1606267
This article is part of the Research TopicBrain Adaptations to Exercise in Health and Neurodegenerative Diseases: Considerations and Future Perspectives on the Underlying MechanismsView all 6 articles
Resisting Decline: The neuroprotective role of resistance exercise in supporting cerebrovascular function and brain health in aging
Provisionally accepted
Elric Y Allison
Anjali M Bedi
Aedan J Rourke
Vanessa Mizzi
Jeremy J Walsh
Jennifer J Heisz
Baraa K Al-Khazraji*- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebrovascular function are critical early-stage biomarkers preceding changes in brain function and structure observed in normal aging and during the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (ADRD). Though several interventions attempt to curb the effects of aging and brain neurodegeneration, exercise and lifestyle habits remain one of the most impactful and easily modifiable factors for preserving brain health. Although the effects of aerobic exercise on cerebrovascular function and brain health are well established, resistance training (RT) is rapidly increasing in popularity across all age demographics due to its numerous health benefits. Despite the clear physiological benefits of resistance exercise, its potential efficacy for preserving or improving cerebrovascular and overall brain health remains understudied to date. The aim of this review is to examine the literature pertaining to ways in which resistance exercise may reduce the risk of ADRD and slow age-related decline of brain structures and functions. Additionally, this review seeks to highlight key considerations and challenges regarding the feasibility, adoption, and adherence to resistance exercise in the context of normal aging, mild cognitive impairment, and ADRD.
Keywords: Resistance exercise, cerebral blood flow (CBF), Alzheimer's disease related dementias, Brain health, cerebrovascular, neurodegeneration, Aging, Resistance training (RT)
Received: 05 Apr 2025; Accepted: 02 Sep 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Allison, Bedi, Rourke, Mizzi, Walsh, Heisz and Al-Khazraji. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: Baraa K Al-Khazraji, Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, L8S 4K1, Ontario, Canada
Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.