Cognitive Benefits of Physical Activity in the Elderly: A Narrative Review

A huge focus of research has been on the pharmacological trials to find drugs that work to stall the onset of age related cognitive decline and subsequent neurodegenerative disorders like dementia, but pharmacological interventions have not been able to help with cure and hence there has been a shift of focus to other nonpharmacological and behavioral interventions like physical activity (PA) along with the use of medications. There is moderate evidence supporting different forms of exercise for lowering the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. PA has positive effects on the global cognition of the elderly and helps maintain hippocampal volume. Aerobic exercise was found to be the most beneficial among different other forms of PA. Regular involvement in PA not only helps in the prevention and control of various diseases but also is increasingly recommended as a strategy to promote health and encourage the maintenance of functional capacity in the elderly. The main objective of this review is to discuss the effects of PA on brain health and cognitive functions of older adults from a psychophysiological perspective. Important underlying molecular mechanisms have also been discussed which would provide an idea of the biological basis of the same.