A combination of exercise and cognitive training may improve working memory in older adults

1. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the combination of exercise and cognitive training (CECT) was superior to no intervention in improving working memory in older adults.

2. However, when comparing CECT to either exercise or a cognitive intervention alone, there was no significant improvement in working memory.

Evidence Rating Level: 1 (Excellent)

Decreased working memory is an important marker of cognitive aging. Known to be a main marker of cognitive aging. Several studies have suggested that physical exercise and cognitive training may benefit memory overall. In fact, previous research has explored the combination of cognitive training and exercise training (CECT), but the outcome measures were on either overall cognition or executive functioning. As a result, the objective of the present study was to synthesize the evidence on whether CECT can slow down the decline of working memory in older adults

Of 1,379 identified records, 21 (mean age range 65.8-79.2 years) studies were included from various databases from inception to April 2021. Studies were included if they evaluated working memory in patients ≥ 60 years old who were either healthy or who had mild cognitive impairment or dementia, and who underwent cognitive and/or exercise training. Studies were excluded if they did not compare the combined intervention with a control group or either intervention alone. The review was performed using PRISMA guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed using Egger’s regression intercepts, funnel charts, and fixed effects models. The risk of bias was assessed using the PEDro scale. The primary outcome was working memory.

The results demonstrated that CECT had a significant benefit on working memory in the elderly compared to no intervention. This effect may be influenced by both the frequency of the intervention and the patient’s cognitive state. However, the effects of CECT were not significantly different from either intervention alone. Despite these results, the study was limited by the lack of post-intervention follow-up, so the lasting effects of the intervention on working memory cannot be elucidated. Nonetheless, the present study provided early evidence suggesting the utility of CECT in improving working memory in older adults.

Click to read the study in PeerJ

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