Simple exercises could boost memory for 24 hours, study finds

A brisk walk, dancing or climbing a few flights of stairs may boost memory skills for around 24 hours, a study suggests.

Exercise increases blood flow to the brain and stimulates the release of neurotransmitters – effects which are known to provide a short-term boost to cognitive skills.

Now, research has found the benefits may last for longer than previously thought.

Some 76 participants aged 50 to 83 wore activity trackers for eight days and completed daily brain tests. Those who did more moderate to vigorous physical activity than usual scored better on memory tests the following day.

Lead author Dr Mikaela Bloomberg, from the UCL Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, said: “Our findings suggest that the short-term memory benefits of physical activity may last longer than previously thought, possibly to the next day instead of just the few hours after exercise.

“Getting more sleep, particularly deep sleep, seems to add to this memory improvement.

“Moderate or vigorous activity means anything that gets your heart rate up – this could be brisk walking, dancing or walking up a few flights of stairs. It doesn’t have to be structured exercise.

“This was a small study and so it needs to be replicated with a larger sample of participants before we can be certain about the results.”

Participants who spent less time sitting and got six or more hours of sleep also tended to score better.

Study co-author Professor Andrew Steptoe, also from UCL, said: “Among older adults, maintaining cognitive function is important for good quality of life, wellbeing, and independence. 

“It’s therefore helpful to identify factors that can affect cognitive health on a day-to-day basis.

“This study provides evidence that the immediate cognitive benefits of exercise may last longer than we thought.

“It also suggests good sleep quality separately contributes to cognitive performance.

“However, we can’t establish from this study whether these short-term boosts to cognitive performance contribute to longer term cognitive health and though there is plenty of evidence to suggest physical activity might slow cognitive decline and reduce dementia risk, it’s still a matter of some debate.”

The findings were published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity.