Research Proves That Aerobic Exercise Improves Memory

Josephine Potente earned her juris doctor from NYU University School of Law and served as an attorney at Milbank Tweed Hadley & McCloy from 2004 to 2008. Today she serves as the owner and founder of Spend XTP Payments, an ISO specializing in school cafeteria payment solutions. Aside from her professional endeavors, Josephine Potente enjoys running.

Recent research has demonstrated that participation in aerobic exercise notably benefits memory function. A study published by the American Academy of Neurology assessed adults taking part in a six-month exercise program and found that blood flow to the brain had increased by 2.3 percent upon completion of the program. The increased blood flow resulted in enhanced performance on executive function tests and verbal fluency tasks.

A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease investigated the influence of a one-year aerobic exercise program on blood flow to the brain in individuals experiencing memory loss. Participants in the study showed a 47 percent improvement in their memory scores by the end of the program.

Based on the proven research that increased blood flow to the brain improves memory function, scientists are hopeful that a drug that mimics the beneficial effects of exercise may be developed in the future. A drug that increases blood flow to the brain may provide remarkable benefits for people with Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss.