Researchers from the University of Queensland and the University of Birmingham have developed a training approach known as Brain Endurance Training (BET), which combines cognitive tasks with physical exercise.

Participants in the BET group consistently outperformed those in the exercise-only group, particularly when fatigued, highlighting the method's effectiveness.

The study found that BET significantly improved performance on cognitive tasks and physical exercises compared to standard training.

Combining brain training with physical exercise, as seen in BET, can effectively counteract age-related declines in cognitive and physical performance.

A recent study indicates that BET is effective in enhancing both cognitive and physical performance in older adults aged 65 to 78.

Physical performance improvements for the BET group averaged 16.5% when fresh and 29.9% when fatigued, surpassing the results of other training groups.

Cognitive tests showed that the BET group had a 12.1% improvement in accuracy on the Stroop test when fatigued, compared to 6.9% in the exercise-only group.

Results published in the journal 'Aging and Diseases' suggest that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can improve cognitive function in older adults for up to five years.

Despite promising results, the study's small sample size limits the generalizability of the findings, indicating a need for further research with larger populations.

Cognitive decline in the elderly is a significant public health concern, with the economic costs of dementia projected to rise dramatically by 2050.

The study highlights potential physiological mechanisms, such as increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and improved cerebral blood flow, that may explain how physical activity enhances cognitive function.

These findings could influence future physical activity guidelines for seniors, potentially reducing the incidence of dementia and its associated societal costs.