Mixed
Physical exercise interventions significantly improve cognitive function in adults older than 50, regardless of baseline cognitive status.
If you are over 50, moving your body is one of the best things you can do for your brain. Aim for at least 45 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. This can include walking, swimming, lifting weights, or Tai Chi. You don't need to be an athlete; just keep moving. This applies whether you are healthy or have mild memory issues.
This meta-analysis showed that physical exercise interventions are effective at improving the cognitive function of older adults, regardless of baseline cognitive status.
Why this rating
High-quality evidence based on 39 RCTs, though downgraded to 'moderate' by GRADE due to risk of bias and heterogeneity.
Source
Exercise interventions for cognitive function in adults older than 50: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Joseph M. Northey et al. · British Journal of Sports Medicine · 2017
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →