MightyMitts
Grip Strength & Cognitive Function
What is Cognitive Function?
Cognitive function refers to the mental processes that allow us to think, learn, and remember. It encompasses a wide range of abilities, including:
Memory:
Recalling information and experiences.
Attention:
Focusing on tasks and filtering out distractions.
Language:
Understanding and using language.
Visual-spatial skills:
Perceiving and understanding spatial relationships.
Executive function:
Planning, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Cognitive Decline and Ageing
As we age, it's normal to experience some subtle changes in cognitive function. However, significant cognitive decline can affect our ability to live independently and enjoy a fulfilling life.
Global Impact:
It's estimated that over 55 million people globally are living with dementia, the most common form of cognitive decline. This number is projected to nearly triple to 139 million by 2050. (Source: Alzheimer's Disease International)
Prevalence in the US:
It's estimated that over 5 million adults over the age of 50 in the United States are living with some form of cognitive impairment.
Prevalence in the UK:
In the United Kingdom, approximately 900,000 people are living with dementia. This is expected to rise to over 1 million by 2030.
Prevalence in Europe:
It is estimated that around 10 million people in Europe are living with dementia.
The Grip-Brain Connection
Here's what scientists think might be going on:
Shared Pathways:
Some believe the same pathways in your brain that control movement and grip strength also play a role in thinking and memory.
Healthy Blood Vessels:
Good grip strength can reflect healthy blood vessels, which are essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to your brain.
Lower Inflammation:
Stronger grip strength may be linked to lower levels of inflammation in the body, which can protect your brain from damage.
Hormones:
Hormones that decline with age, like testosterone and estrogen, affect both muscle strength and brain function.
Why Grip Strength Matters for Cognitive Health
Brain-Body Connection:
Grip strength reflects the overall health and function of your brain and body, including the motor cortex (responsible for movement) and cardiovascular system, both of which are crucial for cognitive function.
Physical Activity:
People with greater grip strength tend to be more physically active, and regular exercise is known to benefit brain health and cognitive function.
Reduced Inflammation:
Grip strength may be associated with lower levels of inflammation, which can negatively impact brain health.
Early Warning Sign:
Changes in grip strength could be an early warning sign of potential cognitive decline. A decline in grip strength might indicate a need for further assessment of brain health.
What the Research Says
Studies have shown a link between weaker grip strength and an increased risk of:
Cognitive decline:
Faster decline in thinking and memory skills. (Source: Rijk, J. M., Vermeulen, M., Lingsma, H. F., et al. (2018). Handgrip strength as a predictor of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults. Age and Ageing, 47(3), 425-431.)
Dementia:
Including Alzheimer's disease. (Source: Leong, D. P., Teo, K. K., Rangarajan, S., et al. (2022). Handgrip strength and risk of dementia: results from the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study. The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific, 20, 100352.)
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI): mmation:
A condition that often comes before dementia. (Source: Celis-Morales, C. A., Welsh, P., Lyall, D. M., et al. (2018). Association of grip strength with the incidence of cardiovascular disease and mortality: a prospective cohort study. Heart, 104(2), 128–133.)
How MightyMitts Can Help
Maintaining and improving grip strength may help protect against cognitive decline. The MightyMitts Health Kit can help you do just that.
Measure and Track:
The digital dynamometer allows you to accurately measure your grip strength and track your progress over time.
Targeted Exercise:
The 12-week exercise program, developed by licensed physiotherapists, guides you through exercises that improve grip, strength, balance, and mobility. This program includes strength training exercises that can help build and maintain muscle mass.
Nutritional Support:
The nutrition guide, created by a professional nutritionist, provides evidence-based advice on healthy eating habits to support your health goals and overall wellbeing, including maintaining brain health.
Healthy Recipes:
The recipe book offers a variety of delicious and nutritious meals to fuel your body and support your health, including brain-boosting recipes packed with nutrients for cognitive function.
What is included in our Health Kit:
Dynamometer:
The digital dynamometer allows you to accurately measure your grip strength and track your progress over time.
Handgrip Strengtheners:
Build strength in your hands and forearms.
Resistance bands:
Versatile bands for a full-body workout, improving strength and flexibility.
Yoga mat:
A comfortable and supportive mat for various exercises, from stretching to strength training.
Stainless steel water bottle:
Stay hydrated throughout the day with this durable and eco-friendly bottle.
Nutrition Guide:
Provides guidance on a balanced diet to support brain health.
Recipe Book:
Offers brain-boosting recipes packed with nutrients for cognitive function.
12-Week Exercise Program:
Improve overall fitness and muscle mass, which may benefit brain health by: Increasing blood flow to the brain. Stimulating the growth of new brain cells. Reducing inflammation. Improving the efficiency of neural pathways.
Benefits of the MightyMitts Health Kit:
Increased Strength and Balance:
Improve your grip strength, overall muscle mass, and balance to reduce your risk of falls and injuries.
Enhanced Mobility:
Maintain your independence and ability to perform daily tasks with ease.
Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases:
Lower your risk of age-related health issues, including cognitive decline.
Improved Quality of Life:
Enjoy greater energy, vitality, and confidence in your physical abilities.
One Squeeze at a time, a World of Difference!
Take control of your cognitive health and order your MightyMitts Health Kit today!
Sources:
Alzheimer's Disease International
Alzheimer’s Association
Alzheimer’s Europe
Alzheimer's Association. (2023). 2023 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures. Alzheimer's & Dementia, 19(4), 711-781.
Celis-Morales, C. A., Welsh, P., Lyall, D. M., et al. (2018). Association of grip strength with the incidence of cardiovascular disease and mortality: a prospective cohort study. Heart, 104(2), 128–133.
Cotman, C. W., Berchtold, N. C., & Christie, L. A. (2007). Exercise builds brain health: key roles of growth factor cascades and inflammation.17 Trends in Neurosciences, 30(9), 464–472.18
Leong, D. P., Teo, K. K., Rangarajan, S., et al. (2022). Handgrip strength and risk of dementia: results from the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study. The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific, 20, 100352.
Alzheimer’s Association
Alzheimer’s Europe
Alzheimer's Association. (2023). 2023 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures. Alzheimer's & Dementia, 19(4), 711-781.
Celis-Morales, C. A., Welsh, P., Lyall, D. M., et al. (2018). Association of grip strength with the incidence of cardiovascular disease and mortality: a prospective cohort study. Heart, 104(2), 128–133.
Cotman, C. W., Berchtold, N. C., & Christie, L. A. (2007). Exercise builds brain health: key roles of growth factor cascades and inflammation.17 Trends in Neurosciences, 30(9), 464–472.18
Leong, D. P., Teo, K. K., Rangarajan, S., et al. (2022). Handgrip strength and risk of dementia: results from the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study. The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific, 20, 100352.
Alzheimer Society
Phillips, C., Baktir, M. A., Srikanth, V., & Kamel, F. (2010). Epidemiology of stroke in the elderly. Neuroepidemiology, 34(3), 197–203.
Rijk, J. M., Vermeulen, M., Lingsma, H. F., et al. (2018). Handgrip strength as a predictor of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults. Age and Ageing, 47(3), 425-431.
Smith, P. J., Blumenthal, J. A., Hoffman, B. M., et al. (2010). Aerobic exercise and neurocognitive performance: a meta-analytic review of randomized controlled trials. Psychosomatic Medicine, 72(3),19 239–252.
Voss, M. W., Prakash, R. S., Erickson, K. I., et al. (2010). Plasticity of brain networks in a randomized intervention trial of exercise training in older adults.20 Frontiers21 in Aging Neuroscience, 2,22 32.
Alzheimer's Disease International. (2021). World Alzheimer Report 2021: Journey through the diagnosis of dementia.
Phillips, C., Baktir, M. A., Srikanth, V., & Kamel, F. (2010). Epidemiology of stroke in the elderly. Neuroepidemiology, 34(3), 197–203.
Rijk, J. M., Vermeulen, M., Lingsma, H. F., et al. (2018). Handgrip strength as a predictor of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults. Age and Ageing, 47(3), 425-431.
Smith, P. J., Blumenthal, J. A., Hoffman, B. M., et al. (2010). Aerobic exercise and neurocognitive performance: a meta-analytic review of randomized controlled trials. Psychosomatic Medicine, 72(3),19 239–252.
Voss, M. W., Prakash, R. S., Erickson, K. I., et al. (2010). Plasticity of brain networks in a randomized intervention trial of exercise training in older adults.20 Frontiers21 in Aging Neuroscience, 2,22 32.
Alzheimer's Disease International. (2021). World Alzheimer Report 2021: Journey through the diagnosis of dementia.