Did you know our muscle mass starts declining from as early as 30 years of age?
This is both an alarming and surprising fact because you would assume this occurred at a much older age. Unfortunately, this is not the case because as we age this decline gradually increases.
A recent scientific study by Peng et al [1] investigated whether there is a link between the loss of muscle mass and muscle function, and cognitive impairment, including dementia. We know that muscle health is connected to our overall health, and as muscle is the largest organ of the body, the results of this study were not surprising for us. Indeed, the study concluded that individuals that experience loss of muscle mass and function had twice the risk of mild cognitive impairment and dementia in comparison to those with healthier muscle.
So, why is there such a link between muscle loss and cognitive impairment?
Research in this area is still at its infancy. There is no one clear explanation; however, there are many hypotheses that could explain the link. Recent evidence suggests that both these conditions share similar inflammatory markers and hormonal pathways which have been shown to contribute to muscle loss and strength and increased risk of dementia [2-4]. The inflammatory and hormonal changes that come along with a decline of muscle mass and function may actually interfere with our brain, leading to impaired cognition and dementia. Neuroimaging studies have corroborated such findings [5] while other studies revealed that lean muscle mass decline was related to neuronal brain damage, which in turn is indicative of dementia [6].
What can we take from this?
Preventing or limiting the onset of muscle loss can help prevent the onset or extent of physical and mental impairment in later life.
Elio Restore hopes to be part of this preventative strategy, with the discovery of its lead ingredient, PeptiStrong. A scientifically proven natural ingredient shown to support muscle health with a noticeable 54% reduction in muscle loss, an observed increase in muscle synthesis as well as reducing inflammation, all of which are key mechanisms and pathways in muscle health.
