A study led by scientists at Rutgers University-New Brunswick has shown that specialized cells involved in how the body responds to insulin are activated in the brain after exercise, suggesting that physical activity may directly improve brain function.

A UT Southwestern study finds that higher cardiorespiratory fitness may slow age-related brain atrophy, preserving cognitive function. The study showed that those with better physical fitness had larger brain volumes and better cognitive performance.

In a landmark clinical trial, coordinated by the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study at UC San Diego, people at risk for Alzheimer's who exercised at low or moderate-high intensity showed less cognitive decline when compared to those receiving usual care.