Physical Activity to Counter Age-Related Cognitive Decline: Benefits of Aerobic, Resistance, and Combined Training—A Narrative Review

作者：Wissem Dhahbi, Walid Briki, Andreas Heißel, Lutz Schega, Ismail Dergaa, Noomen Guelmami, Abdelfatteh El Omri, Hélmi Chaabène · 发表于：Sports Medicine - Open · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1186/s40798-025-00857-2 · 被引用次数：71 · 研究领域：Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research、Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanisms、Cancer-related cognitive impairment studies

BACKGROUND: With the increase in life expectancy, age-related cognitive decline has become a prevalent concern. Physical activity (PA) is increasingly being recognized as a vital non-pharmacological strategy to counteract this decline. This review aimed to (i) critically evaluate and synthesize the impact of different PA and exercise modalities (aerobic, resistance, and concurrent training) on cognitive health and overall well-being in older adults, (ii) discuss the influence of exercise intensity on cognitive functions, and (iii) elucidate the potential mechanisms through which PA and exercise may enhance or mitigate cognitive performance among older adults. MAIN BODY: An exhaustive analysis of peer-reviewed studies pertaining to PA/exercise and cognitive health in older adults from January 1970 to February 2025 was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and MEDLINE. There is compelling evidence that aerobic and resistance training (RT) improve cognitive function and mental health in older adults, with benefits influenced by the type and intensity of exercise. Specifically, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise appears to bolster memory, executive functions, and mood regulation, potentially through increased cerebral blood flow, neurogenesis, and production of brain-derived neurotrophic factors in the hippocampus. Moderate-to-high-intensity RT acutely enhances visuospatial processing and executive functions, with chronic training promoting neurogenesis, poss...