ABSTRACT
With this chapter, we will review how physical activity (PA) and exercise interact with cognitive functioning and psychological well-being in older adults. First we will provide a short overview on age-related changes in brain and cognition in healthy older adults including evidence for the plasticity of brain and behavior. This section will be followed by current research on the effects of PA and exercise on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia, and a summary of possible underlying mechanisms of the positive effects of PA on cognitive functioning, MCI, and dementia. Second, we will provide a literature overview on the psychological health effects of PA, i.e. studies dealing with the effects of PA and exercise on depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and self-efficacy in older adults. Again, a summary of possible physiological mechanisms that might explain the PA to depression and anxiety relationship will be given. All sections will include a paragraph on differential effects of different types of PA or exercise and possible dose-response relationships. We will conclude with discussing some limitations of the current research and an outlook to potential future research approaches.
