Exercise has long been known to have numerous benefits for overall health, but scientists have now discovered that physical activity may also be associated with improved memory scores the next day. A study from University College London found that 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per day and getting at least six hours of sleep can contribute to better cognitive performance the following day.
Dr. Mikaela Bloomberg, lead author of the study, noted that physical activity is good for your brain and that good sleep also helps. The researchers tracked the daily activities of 76 adults aged 50-83 years old who did not have cognitive impairment or dementia. They found that each 30-minute increase in moderate to vigorous physical activity corresponded to a 2-5% increase in episodic and working memory scores the next day.
However, it’s essential to note that this study has some limitations. The participants had high levels of education, excellent health, and high levels of everyday physical activity, which may not be representative of the general population. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the mechanisms behind the impact of exercise on memory.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/dec/10/exercise-improves-memory-walk-cycle