Does exercise improve cognition?

Introduction

The relationship between exercise and cognitive function has been a subject of extensive research. Numerous studies have explored how physical activity, particularly aerobic exercise, can influence various aspects of cognition across different populations, including healthy individuals, those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and patients with neurological conditions such as schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease.

Key Insights

General Cognitive Benefits of Aerobic Exercise:
- Aerobic exercise improves cognitive health across the lifespan, enhancing brain function and cognitive strategies, and increasing attentional resources and information processing speed .
- Exercise increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and other growth factors, promoting neurogenesis and brain plasticity .
Cognition in Aging and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI):
- Aerobic exercise can counter cognitive declines in aging adults, improving memory, executive function, and processing speed.
- Exercise has shown limited but significant effects on verbal fluency in older adults with MCI, though overall results are inconsistent and more research is needed.
- Aerobic training increases hippocampal volume in older women with MCI, which is associated with improved memory performance.
Cognition in Neurological Conditions:
- Exercise significantly improves global cognition, working memory, social cognition, and attention/vigilance in people with schizophrenia.
- Various types of exercise, including aerobic, resistance, and dance, can improve cognitive function in Parkinson's disease, though the optimal type and duration of exercise remain unclear.
Mechanisms and Broader Implications:
- Exercise may benefit cognition through skill acquisition, which involves mental and physical challenges that enhance information processing and decision-making.
- Exercise collaborates with other lifestyle factors, such as diet, to influence cognitive health.

Conclusion

Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, has been shown to improve various aspects of cognitive function across different populations. It enhances brain health by promoting neurogenesis and brain plasticity, and it can counter cognitive declines associated with aging and neurological conditions. While the specific mechanisms and optimal exercise regimens require further research, the evidence supports the role of physical activity as a beneficial intervention for cognitive health.

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Does exercise improve cognition?

Summary

Consensus Meter

Introduction

Key Insights

Conclusion

Sources and full results

The influence of exercise on cognitive abilities.

Exercise improves cognitive health and brain function across the lifespan, with aerobic fitness enhancing attention and processing speed, and working with dietary factors to counteract neurological and cognitive disorders.

Aerobic Exercise Improves Cognitive Functioning in People With Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Aerobic exercise improves cognitive functioning in people with schizophrenia, particularly when supervised by physical activity professionals.

Be smart, exercise your heart: exercise effects on brain and cognition

Aerobic physical activity positively impacts cognition and brain function, potentially leading to increased physical and mental health throughout life.

Shorter term aerobic exercise improves brain, cognition, and cardiovascular fitness in aging

Shorter-term aerobic exercise improves brain health, cognition, and cardiovascular fitness in aging adults.

The effect of exercise training on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

There is limited evidence that exercise improves cognitive function in individuals with mild cognitive impairment, with inconclusive results due to low statistical power.

Exercise: a behavioral intervention to enhance brain health and plasticity

Exercise can enhance brain health and promote brain plasticity by increasing BDNF levels, stimulating neurogenesis, and improving learning and mental performance.

Aerobic exercise increases hippocampal volume in older women with probable mild cognitive impairment: a 6-month randomised controlled trial

Aerobic training significantly increased hippocampal volume in older women with probable mild cognitive impairment, potentially improving memory performance.

Improving cognition and function through exercise intervention in Alzheimer's disease.

Aerobic exercise may promote cognitive and functional capacities in Alzheimer's disease patients by modifying neuropathological changes in the brain.

The effects of exercise on cognition in Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review

Exercise can improve cognitive function in Parkinson's disease patients, with various types of exercise showing potential benefits, but optimal type, amount, mechanisms, and duration remain unclear.

Exercise, sports, and performance arts benefit cognition via a common process.

Exercise, sports, and performance arts benefit cognition through a common process of skill acquisition, with mental resources allocation being essential for enduring cognitive benefits.

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