Here’s another good reason to build up those muscles. A new study shows that older people who have stronger muscles are at reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease compared to people their age with weaker muscles.

Dr. Patricia A. Boyle of Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center in Chicago and her colleagues have found that a greater muscle strength equals to a lower chance of being diagnosed with the disease over a four-year period.

Aside form muscle strength, grip strength, weight and level of physical activity are also factors.

Boyle said keeping our bodies fit is always good for the brain. And although it hasn’t been confirmed, researchers believe that something goes on in the body that causes both muscle weakness and loss of mental ability.

She explains, “We certainly think that it is important to be physically active and to work to keep our muscles strong. Good physical health is important for good brain function.”

(via Reuters)