ABSTRACT
Anecdotal reports from people who undertake exercise often suggest that after such physical activity they are able to think ‘better’ or feel that their alertness has improved. Moreover, for older adults cognitive decline is possible, and therefore physical activity may be a strategy to slow or prevent such a decline. This chapter addresses physical activity and cognitive functioning by reviewing the evidence for young people, adults and older adults. We introduce and define the concept of cognitive functioning and review the evidence linking physical activity with cognitive functioning in young people, including measures of academic achievement. A case can be made for causal links between physical activity and cognitive functioning in youth. We also review evidence linking physical activity with cognitive functioning in adults and older adults, including the role of physical activity in reducing the risk of cognitive decline in older adults. There is strong evidence showing that increased physical activity is associated with reduced risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults.
