New research from the University of South Australia highlights that any form of exercise significantly enhances brain function and memory for individuals across all age groups, including children, adults, and older adults.

Mind-body exercises such as yoga and Tai Chi, along with active video games like Pokémon Go, provide notable cognitive benefits.

Findings indicate that low- to moderate-intensity exercise yields the most substantial cognitive benefits, particularly for brain function and memory.

The benefits of exercise on cognition can be observed quickly, with noticeable improvements within 1 to 3 months of engaging in physical activity.

This study is the largest umbrella review conducted, analyzing data from 133 systematic reviews involving 2,724 randomized controlled trials with 258,279 participants.

The research underscores the importance of incorporating exercise into healthcare and educational frameworks to foster cognitive health, especially as global concerns about cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases increase.

Professor Carol Maher, a senior researcher, advocates for exercise to be integrated into public health guidelines to promote cognitive well-being.

Dr. Ben Singh, the lead researcher, emphasizes that even low-intensity activities can improve cognition, making exercise accessible to everyone, regardless of age or ability.

Children and adolescents show the most significant improvements in memory, while individuals with ADHD experience the greatest enhancements in executive function.