Lack of Strength Predicts Stroke

Researchers at Boston Medical Center measured the grip strength and walking speed of 2,410 adults, average age 62. They followed them for 11 years and discovered that stronger grip was associated with a lower risk of stroke, whereas slower walking speeds were linked to a higher risk of dementia.

Almost comically, “experts” at the Academy of Neurology’s annual meeting said that more research would be needed to figure this out. Let me give them a hand and save them some research money.

While we tend to focus on the heart as a pump for blood, half the blood that gets to your brain gets there because it is pumped by muscle contractions. As older people lose strength, they lose a percentage of circulation to their brain based on muscles. It is not at all surprising that a lack of strength, indicating overall reduced muscle contraction potential, would result in less blood and oxygen getting to the brain and thus an increased risk for stroke.

Walking is a complex task most of us take for granted. Brain speed is highly associated with healthy cognitive function as well as coordination and movement. When walking slows it indicates neuro-connections have slowed, predicting impaired cognitive function. I have previously reported that coordination issues at any age predict thyroid problems, as well as thyroid problems being a risk factor for cognitive decline.

This type of study takes basic physical data and predicts what it is likely to mean. Sure there are many other reasons for cognitive decline and stroke risk. However, this study points out that if we maintain basic fitness as we age there are good reasons why we will have a clearer head and less stroke risk.