As we age, our bodies undergo a myriad of changes, some of which are more noticeable than others. But could the size of a particular muscle in your body be a harbinger of your cognitive future? A groundbreaking study suggests that the size of the temporalis muscle, a relatively small muscle located on the side of the head, may be linked to an increased risk of dementia.


The temporalis muscle, which stretches from the side of the skull to the jaw joint, plays a crucial role in chewing and can be felt by placing a hand on the temple and clenching the jaw. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University embarked on a mission to understand the relationship between muscle size and cognitive health. They conducted a study involving over 500 healthy adults, monitoring them over a span of five years for signs of dementia.


The findings were startling: those with smaller temporalis muscles were found to be 60 per cent more likely to develop dementia. This discovery is particularly significant because it suggests that muscle loss, a common occurrence as people age, could be an early indicator of cognitive decline. Dementia, a condition characterised by a deterioration in memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities, tends to accelerate muscle loss at a faster rate than normal aging.


The implications of this study are profound. Currently, dementia is often diagnosed at a stage when it has progressed to the point where medical intervention can do little to alter its course. The quest for early diagnosis is therefore critical, as it opens the door to potential preventative measures. These could include resistance training, regular exercise, and improved nutrition, all of which may help to slow down muscle loss and, by extension, cognitive decline.

Dr Shadpour Demehri, one of the study authors, emphasised the potential of these interventions, stating, 'These interventions may help prevent or slow down muscle loss and subsequently reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.'

The study, which was presented at the Radiological Society of North America's annual meeting, has yet to be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Nonetheless, it has sparked a conversation about the importance of maintaining muscle mass and cardiovascular health as we age. Dr Max Wintermark, a neuro-radiologist at the University of Texas who was not involved in the research, concurred with the study's authors on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, including exercise, in maintaining muscle mass and potentially staving off dementia.


While more research is needed to conclusively determine the temporalis muscle's role as a predictor of dementia risk, the study's findings are a reminder of the interconnectedness of physical and cognitive health. Separate studies have suggested that the temporalis muscle could be indicative of overall muscle health in the body, making it a focal point for further investigation.

In light of these findings, it's worth considering how lifestyle choices today could impact our cognitive health in the future. Early studies, such as a 2024 paper from the University of Washington, have indicated that both cardiovascular and resistance training may bolster brain tissue resilience into old age, potentially slowing the progression of dementia and granting additional years of mental clarity.

As members of the Seniors Discount Club, it's never too late to take steps towards a healthier lifestyle. Whether it's incorporating more physical activity into your daily routine or paying closer attention to your diet, every positive change can contribute to your overall well-being and, possibly, your cognitive longevity.

We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences. Have you noticed changes in your muscle mass as you've aged? What steps are you taking to maintain your physical and cognitive health? Join the conversation below and let's navigate the journey of aging together, armed with knowledge and a proactive approach to our well-being.