Exercise and Cognitive Function: Increased Fitness Improves Cognition in Older Adults and Those with Chronic Medical Conditions

Abstract

Cognitive functioning may be preserved or improved through exercise. Both acute and regular exercise have positive effects on cognition, particularly on measures of attention, executive functioning, and memory. Improving fitness may be especially beneficial to cognitive function in older adults and persons with chronic medical conditions. Future studies should identify the mechanisms for these benefits and seek to determine the clinical utility of routinely recommending exercise to promote better neurological outcomes.