Physical Exercise and Aging

Regular physical exercise plays in preserving cognition and promoting brain health across the aging process. Epidemiological studies consistently show that physically active older adults have better memory, executive function, and attention compared to sedentary peers. Clinical trials reinforce these findings, demonstrating that aerobic, resistance, or combined exercise interventions can improve multiple cognitive domains. Mechanistic evidence from animal and human studies suggests that exercise enhances synaptic plasticity, stimulates hippocampal neurogenesis, increases cerebral blood flow, and reduces inflammation and oxidative stress. Together, these pathways support a brain environment that is more resilient to age-related decline and neurodegenerative disease.

The review also emphasizes that exercise effects are not one-size-fits-all; intensity, frequency, duration, and type of exercise all moderate outcomes. Aerobic and resistance training appear especially beneficial, while multicomponent programs may yield additive effects. Baseline health and the timing of intervention influence results, with earlier adoption of exercise showing stronger preventive benefits, though older adults still gain meaningful improvements. Despite strong evidence, important gaps remain—particularly the need for longer-term randomized trials, mechanistic biomarkers in humans, and clearer guidelines on optimal prescriptions. The integration of exercise with other lifestyle factors, such as diet and cognitive training, may ultimately offer the most robust strategy for maintaining brain health in aging populations.

Physical exercise, cognition, and brain health in aging

Boa Sorte Silva, Nárlon C. et al.

Trends in Neurosciences, Volume 47, Issue 6, 402 - 417