Relationship Between Physical Exercise and Cognitive Processes in Elderly People

Abstract

This article reviews the literature about the relationship between physical exercise and the cognitive process of elderly people. Different studies have connected physical activity to a diminution of some disease symptoms (e.g., depression and anxiety), to the improvement of the wellbeing and to a reduction in Alzheimer, Parkinson and dementia symptoms. This is so because physical activity improves neuronal plasticity. The relationship between exercise and cognitive capacity has been benefited by the process of biological natural selection and, in this context, several hypothesis in which that relation is based are pointed out. Finally, the focus moves towards the capacities that should be worked, the amount of physical exercise needed to improve them, and the types of activities and programs.