Physical Activity and Anti-Aging: Improvement of Brain Function (Cognitive Impairment, Depression) by Exercise

Structural and functional decline of the brain due to aging is prominent in the prefrontal cortex involved in higher cognitive functions and the hippocampus involved in learning and memory. Therefore, in old age, cognitive impairments such as executive function and memory decline, which these areas are responsible for, are likely to occur. Furthermore, the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus are areas deeply associated with stress and depression. Many patients with depression also show cognitive impairment, and chronic stress and depression in old age can be risk factors that accelerate cognitive impairment due to aging. Therefore, the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus are important targets for the prevention and improvement of cognitive impairment and depression due to aging.