The Effects of Aerobic Exercise on The Neural Basis of Memory Functions in Elderly Individuals : A Systematic Review

Abstract: This systematic review aims to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise on the neuroal basis of memory functions in healthy elderly individuals. The search was conducted in accordance with PRISMA and covered three electronic databases, namely PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, for peer-reviewed published, and original research. Six studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The studies utilized various behavioral or cognitive tasks related to memory, including the Sternberg Working Memory Task, Spatial Memory tests, and neuroimaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This systematic review suggests that aerobic exercise can improve memory in healthy elderly individuals, including spatial, working, and short- and long-term memory. As revealed by neuroimaging techniques, memory function improvement was accompanied by changes in brain structure and function in memory-processing regions. These findings provide evidence that aerobic exercise can improve the neurological basis of memory function in healthy elderly individuals. The beneficial effects of aerobic exercise on memory have significant implications for the aged population. Memory loss is a common and often debilitating issue in older adults, and the ability to recall and learn new information is crucial for maintaining independence and quality of life. Therefore, aerobic exercise is a promising intervention to improve memory function in healthy elderly individuals.