The connection between exercise and improved cognitive function

Most people are aware of the physical benefits of exercise, but the awareness around the mental health benefits of exercise is becoming more widely recognized. Regular exercise has been shown to enhance cognitive function in a number of ways, including improving your memory, attention span and executive function.

Let’s take a look at each of these areas in more detail.

Improved memory

Memory is an important cognitive function and it is essential for everyday activities like learning, problem-solving and decision-making.

Studies suggest that regular physical activity can potentially enhance memory function in people of all ages. It may boost cognitive performance and memory in older adults and protect against neurodegenerative diseases.

It’s thought that exercise increases blood flow to the brain, enhancing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to brain cells and improving their function. Another hypothesis indicates that exercise may stimulate the production of certain chemicals in the brain, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is essential for the growth and survival of neurons.

Better attention span

Exercise may also help improve attention in children and adults. It’s thought that exercise increases the release of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, that are essential for attentional control.

Improved executive function

Executive function refers to a set of cognitive processes that are responsible for things like planning, organizing, decision-making and problem-solving.

Exercise may improve executive function in children and adults of all ages, possibly due to its ability to increase BDNF production. It may also enhance the connectivity between different brain regions, which can improve the efficiency of information processing and facilitate complex cognitive tasks.