Exercise Impact on Cognitive Function in Aging Populations

Ageing is accompanied by declines in memory, executive function and processing speed, which in turn undermine autonomy and quality of life. Accumulating evidence indicates that regular physical activity mitigates these declines through multiple convergent pathways. Aerobic exercise enhances cerebral perfusion and stimulates the release of neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and insulin-like growth factor 1, which support neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity. Exercise also induces systemic factors—known as exerkines—that cross the blood–brain barrier to promote hippocampal neurogenesis and glial health. At the network level, intervention studies have demonstrated improvements in functional connectivity within the default mode and frontal executive networks, correlating with gains in attention and working memory. Longitudinal cohort studies further show that higher levels of midlife physical activity are associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline and dementia in later life. Optimal benefits appear to arise from sustained, moderate-to-vigorous activity, including both aerobic and resistance components, although multimodal programmes that integrate balance and cognitive challenge may confer additional advantages. Practical implementation demands attention to accessibility, tailored intensity and adherence support, particularly in underserved communities. Together, these findings underscore exercise as a non-pharmacological strategy with global relevance for healthy cognitive ageing.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have identified platelet-derived factors as critical mediators of exercise-induced brain rejuvenation. Work in aged murine models shows that physical activity activates platelets to secrete the chemokine CXCL4 (platelet factor 4). Elevated systemic levels of this exerkine enhance proliferation of hippocampal precursor cells and restore performance in memory tasks. This discovery elucidates a mechanistic bridge between peripheral haemostasis and central neurogenesis, suggesting novel targets for mimicking exercise benefits in populations unable to engage in vigorous activity.

Exercise Impact on Cognitive Function in Aging Populations publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in exercise impact on cognitive function in aging populations across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Exerkine: A bioactive molecule released into the circulation in response to physical exercise that mediates systemic adaptations, including effects on the brain.

Hippocampal neurogenesis: The process by which new neurons are generated in the hippocampus, a brain region essential for learning and memory.

Functional connectivity: The statistical association of neural activity between distinct brain regions, typically measured by resting-state functional MRI.

Synaptic plasticity: The capacity of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time in response to changes in activity, forming the cellular basis for learning and memory.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF): A neurotrophin that supports survival, growth and differentiation of neurons, and is upregulated by physical activity.

References

1. A Review of the Effects of Physical Activity and Exercise on Cognitive and Brain Functions in Older Adults. Journal of Aging Research (2013).
2. Platelet-derived exerkine CXCL4/platelet factor 4 rejuvenates hippocampal neurogenesis and restores cognitive function in aged mice. Nature Communications (2023).
3. Plasticity of Brain Networks in a Randomized Intervention Trial of Exercise Training in Older Adults. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience (2010).
4. Does physical activity prevent cognitive decline and dementia?: A systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. BMC Public Health (2014).
5. Effects of Physical Exercise on Cognitive Functioning and Wellbeing: Biological and Psychological Benefits. Frontiers in Psychology (2018).
6. A Randomized Controlled Trial of Multicomponent Exercise in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment. PLOS ONE (2013).
7. BDNF: A Key Factor with Multipotent Impact on Brain Signaling and Synaptic Plasticity. Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology (2017).