from Columbia University
Previous studies suggest aerobic exercise improves brain health in older people—specifically cognition. A new study from Columbia University shows aerobic exercise improves cognition in young and middle-aged people, too. All participants in the study worked out at a local YMCA four times per week with data from heart rate monitors downloaded to a computer. They were tested for executive brain function before the exercise test began, then again at twelve and twenty-four weeks. After twenty-four weeks participants of all ages showed improvement in executive brain function, including cognitive ability. The older the participant, the greater the improvement, but exercise resulted in increased brain gray matter that was not associated with age.