The impact of resistance training on the cognitive health of older adults: a narrative review

Background: Population aging is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline, highlighting the need for effective and accessible interventions to support cognitive health in older adults. Resistance training has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological strategy; however, the role of training intensity in optimizing cognitive outcomes remains unclear. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes 28 peer-reviewed publications, representing 24 independent study samples, published between 2014 and 2024 that examined the effects of resistance training intensity on cognitive function and related physiological markers in older adults. Results: Evidence indicates that low-, moderate-, and high-intensity resistance training can improve cognitive performance and markers of overall brain and physiological health, including neurotrophic factors, inflammation, and cerebral blood flow. Reported benefits include improvements in executive function, memory, processing speed, and spatial abilities. Moderate-intensity resistance training (approximately 60%-79% of one-repetition maximum) showed the most consistent benefits across studies, though direct intensity comparisons remain limited. Conclusions: Resistance training, particularly at moderate intensity, appears to be a feasible and effective strategy for supporting cognitive health in older adults, although further research is needed to determine optimal training prescriptions and long-term effects.