The Impact of Exercise on Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A Systematic Review

As the global population ages, cognitive decline and dementia are becoming increasingly prevalent. Research has suggested that physical exercise may be a potential strategy to improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline in older adults. This systematic review aims to explore the impact of exercise on cognitive function in older adults.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library, from inception to September 2021. Randomized controlled trials that investigated the effect of exercise on cognitive function in older adults aged 60 years or older were included.

Results: A total of 24 studies were included in this systematic review. The types of exercise interventions varied among the studies, including aerobic exercise, resistance training, and a combination of both. The cognitive domains that were assessed also varied, but the most commonly assessed domains were executive function, attention, and memory. The results of the studies were mixed, but overall, exercise was found to have a positive impact on cognitive function in older adults. The magnitude of the effect varied depending on the type, intensity, and duration of the exercise intervention.

Conclusion: The results of this systematic review suggest that exercise is a promising strategy for improving cognitive function in older adults. Further research is needed to determine the optimal type, intensity, and duration of exercise interventions for different cognitive domains. Nonetheless, the evidence suggests that exercise is an effective and accessible tool for promoting cognitive health and reducing the risk of cognitive decline in older adults.