While the benefits of exercise are already recognized, a landmark randomized controlled trial has demonstrated that exercise could preserve cognitive function in sedentary elderly adults with mild cognitive impairment. Both moderate-high intensity aerobic training and lower-intensity stretching/ balance/ range of motion exercises significantly slowed cognitive decline compared to no exercise. Participants in the intervention group also showed trends of reduced prefrontal cortex volume loss, illustrating both cognitive and physical benefits of exercise⁵. These findings suggest that exercise is a promising, safe, and feasible strategy to promote brain health and prevent cognitive decline in older adults at risk of neurodegenerative conditions.

References

5. Shadyab AH, et al. Alzheimers Dement. 2025;21(4):e70118.