An orthopedic surgery specialist, Ines Moreno Sanchez, points out an early sign that may seem simple, but it holds significant implications for brain health. Moreno Sanchez explained that grip strength could be an indicator of the risk of developing dementia in the future. According to her, every movement or exercise, no matter how simple it is, sends an 'urgent chemical message' to the brain that supports and protects its functions. The specialist concludes that protecting memory can start from an unexpected place: muscle strength, and even from the way we shake hands with others. Any physical activity prompts the muscles to secrete chemicals known as 'myokines', which are compounds that help protect nerve cells and stimulate memory. She adds that the loss of muscle strength not only affects mobility but may also be an early sign of a decline in cognitive abilities. Therefore, maintaining muscle mass is not just about appearance or fitness, but also about brain health. Sanchez recommends paying attention to regular physical activities such as weight lifting, squats, or even continuous walking, as these activities enhance the chemical communication between muscles and the brain and support the production of neuroprotective substances. She also notes that muscle mass begins to gradually decline with age, explaining: 'Starting from the age of 35, a person loses about 1% of their muscle mass annually, and by the age of 80, they may have lost almost half of it.' She emphasizes that sedentariness is not a neutral state, but a factor that weakens this vital connection between the body and the brain. Alzheimer's disease causes widespread concern for many, as the idea of losing memory or failing to recognize family members is considered one of the greatest fears associated with aging. She states that individuals with a weaker handshake have a 54% higher chance of developing dementia within 10 years. The specialist explains that the relationship between muscles and the brain is stronger than many people think.
