• Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is associated with significantly better processing speed, working memory, and executive function in older adults.
• Even small increases of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, as little as 5 minutes a day, may provide cognitive benefits.
• A follow-up study, FLAME, is underway to investigate the long-term effects of moderate-intensity exercise on cognitive performance and Alzheimer's disease risk.

A recent study analyzed data from the Investigating Gains in Neurocognition in an Intervention Trial of Exercise (IGNITE) study, involving 648 adults aged 65-80. The study found that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is associated with improved cognitive performance, specifically processing speed, working memory, and executive function. The findings suggest that even short bursts of physical activity can positively impact brain health in older adults. These findings are further being investigated in the Follow-up Longitudinal Analysis of Moderate-intensity Exercise (FLAME) study.

• What: A study shows that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity improves cognitive function (processing speed, working memory, executive function) in older adults. Even short bursts of activity can be beneficial.
• Who: The study involved 648 adults aged 65-80 in the IGNITE study, and is followed up by the FLAME study. Key researchers include Audrey Collins, Kirk Erickson, and Maddison Mellow.
• When: The IGNITE study's results were recently published in Age and Ageing. The FLAME study is currently underway as of April 2025.
• Where: The IGNITE study was conducted across multiple sites in the U.S. The FLAME study is a national multisite effort.

The research suggests a strong link between physical activity and cognitive health in older adults. The finding that even small amounts of moderate-to-vigorous activity can be beneficial is encouraging, as it makes improving brain health more accessible. The ongoing FLAME study will provide valuable insights into the long-term effects of exercise on cognitive decline and Alzheimer's risk. The study from Physician's Weekly emphasizes that adherence to physical activity recommendations associates with lower amyloid burden and Alzheimer disease prevention.

Our results show that how we choose to spend our time across the 24-hour day may be differentially related to our brain health. We found that the need to prioritize physical activity, especially physical activity that gets our heart rates up, is key.

The key is to exert oneself enough to push the heart and lungs to pump oxygen and nutrients to the brain.

These results support the beneficial effect of physical activity and new adherence to the World Health Organization recommendations from the standpoint of Alzheimer disease prevention, and call for interventions to promote physical activity increases in middle-aged adults in preclinical Alzheimer disease

The study provides compelling evidence for the benefits of physical activity on cognitive function in older adults. The finding that even small increases in moderate-to-vigorous activity can lead to improvements is particularly significant. Further research, like the FLAME study, will help to clarify the long-term impact of exercise and inform public health guidelines for dementia prevention. Also, future research has to include old adults with activity limitations.