A recent study analyzing data from the UK Biobank found that stronger handgrip strength and higher testosterone levels are associated with healthier brain white matter.
Researchers observed that individuals with greater muscle strength tend to have lower volumes of white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), which are brain lesions linked to small vessel disease and brain aging.
WMHs appear as bright spots on MRI scans and are commonly seen in older adults. These lesions are connected to cognitive decline, slower processing speed, dementia risk, stroke, depression, and gait problems.
The study showed that better handgrip strength corresponds with less white matter injury, suggesting stronger muscles may benefit brain health.
Testosterone, which circulates in the blood, also correlated with lower WMH volumes in both men and women. Statistical analysis suggested testosterone partly explains the link between muscle strength and reduced brain damage.
Lead author Yuna Li noted that improving muscle function could help delay white matter damage and lower the risk of stroke and dementia. The research highlights the potential importance of muscle health as a factor in protecting brain structure and function as people age.
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