Physical exercise increases memory function
Physical exercise enhances memory function through mechanisms such as neurogenesis, epigenetic adaptations, and improved cardiovascular fitness, as supported by a substantial body of longitudinal, intervention, and mechanistic studies.
The vast majority of retrieved papers—including mechanistic animal studies, human longitudinal studies, clinical trials, and reviews—consistently support the claim that physical exercise improves memory function. Only a single retrospective study (Paper 9) reported no significant effect on memory across specific sub-groups. Therefore, the overall balance of evidence clearly favors the claim (SUPPORTED).
Gordon Winocur, J. Martin Wojtowicz, Melanie Sekeres, Jason S. Snyder, Sabrina Wang. Inhibition of neurogenesis interferes with hippocampus‐dependent memory function. 2006. https://doi.org/10.1002/hipo.20163
Animal research demonstrates that neurogenesis suppression impairs hippocampus-dependent memory tasks, highlighting the neural mechanisms through which physical activity supports memory function.
J. Dascal, L. Sanders, Edson Gonsales da Cruz Filho, T. Hortobágyi. Dose-response effects of years of self-reported physical activity on old females' motor and cognitive function.. 2019. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjpt.2018.06.002
A retrospective observational study found that while physical activity duration benefited physical measures like aerobic capacity, it showed no direct effect on episodic memory or processing speed across specific female sub-groups.
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Yujun Liu, M. Lachman. Education and Cognition in Middle Age and Later Life: The Mediating Role of Physical and Cognitive Activity.. 2020. https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbz020
Population studies show that physical activity acts as a significant mediator linking lifestyle factors to episodic memory in middle and later life.
Anying Bai, L. Tao, Jia Huang, J. Tao, Jue Liu. Effects of physical activity on cognitive function among patients with diabetes in China: a nationally longitudinal study. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-10537-x
Longitudinal data on diabetic patients indicate that higher physical activity levels are associated with better episodic memory and less cognitive decline.
Pai-Lin Lee. Cognitive Function in Midlife and Beyond. 2014. https://doi.org/10.1177/0091415015574190
Cross-sectional analyses in midlife cohorts find positive associations between leisure-time physical activity and episodic memory performance.
S. Aguiñaga, N. Kaushal, G. Balbim, R. Wilson, J. Wilbur, S. Hughes, D. Buchner, M. Berbaum, E. McAuley, Priscilla M Vásquez, I. Marques, Tianxiu Wang, D. Marquez. Latin Dance and Working Memory: The Mediating Effects of Physical Activity Among Middle-Aged and Older Latinos. 2022. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2022.755154
Intervention trials reveal that physical activity programs, such as Latin dance, can improve working memory in older adults.
Iris L Uijen, J. Aaronson, E. Karssemeijer, M. O. Olde Rikkert, R. Kessels. Individual Differences in the Effects of Physical Activity on Cognitive Function in People with Mild to Moderate Dementia. 2020. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-190606
Clinical studies in dementia populations observe treatment-related benefits in episodic memory following structured exercise training.
Ilona Moutoussamy, Laurence Taconnat, Lucie Angel, Kristell Pothier, Lucette Toussaint, Séverine Fay. Protective effects of physical activity on episodic memory during aging are explained by executive functioning. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1186/s11556-024-00341-y
Research indicates that physical activity protects older adults against memory decline, partially by supporting executive and cognitive functioning.
Imani Canton, Jacqueline Guzman, Yuliana Soto, Ana Laura Selzer Ninomiya, D. Morales, S. Aguiñaga. Isotemporal Substitution of Sedentary Time With Physical Activity Among Middle-Aged and Older Latinos: Effects on Episodic Memory. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1177/08901171241233404
Substitution models suggest replacing sedentary time with light physical activity correlates with improved episodic memory scores.
White ZJ, Hall SE. Irisin as an Exerkine of Neuroprotection in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16050687
Review findings support the role of exercise and exerkines like irisin in protecting against neurodegeneration and promoting hippocampal health.
Leońska-Duniec A. Epigenetic and Neurogenomic Mechanisms Linking Physical Activity to Brain Plasticity and Cognitive Function.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes17040474
Comprehensive reviews outline the epigenetic and neurogenomic mechanisms by which physical activity enhances brain plasticity and cognitive function.
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