Review: exercise and sensory activity in the aging brain
This integrative review reports that aerobic and multicomponent exercise, sensory stimulation and combined approaches have been associated with brain and cognitive measures in aging, though direct comparisons between combined and single approaches remain limited. [1]
Automatic summary · not editorially reviewed
The key findings
The review describes brain aging as including shrinkage of the hippocampus and frontal cortex, reduced new neuron and synapse formation, and disrupted network connectivity, impairing memory, attention and executive functions. [1]
Aerobic and multicomponent exercise programs, particularly lasting 8 to 24 weeks, were associated with improvements in hippocampal volume, executive function and mobility. [1]
Combined motor, sensory and cognitive interventions appear promising and may offer advantages over single-domain approaches, although direct comparative evidence remains limited. [1]
The source at a glance
- Study type / format
- Integrative review (abstract only)
- Population / context
- People with aging brains, as discussed in an integrative review
- Summary based on
- Study abstract
- Original publication
- October 1, 2026
Aging brain changes and plasticity in the review
The review describes brain aging as progressive structural and functional changes: shrinkage of the hippocampus and frontal cortex, reduced formation of new neurons and synapses, and disrupted network connectivity, which together impair memory, attention and executive functions. It also stresses that aging is heterogeneous, with some abilities preserved through compensatory mechanisms. Neuroplasticity is presented as central to offsetting age-related losses by allowing functional reorganization and maintained neural connectivity.
Supporting source [1]
Exercise programs and reported brain outcomes
Aerobic and multicomponent exercise programs, especially those lasting 8 to 24 weeks, were associated with improvements in hippocampal volume, executive function and mobility. The review says these benefits appear mediated by increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, lactate signaling and cathepsin B, which support synaptic plasticity, new neuron formation and cerebral blood flow. Sensory stimulation is described as strengthening connectivity in attentional and executive networks through multisensory integration.
Supporting source [1]
Combined approaches and emerging technologies in the review
Combined interventions integrating motor, sensory and cognitive components appear promising and may offer advantages over single-domain approaches, but the review states that direct comparative evidence remains limited. Dance, proprioceptive training and musical engagement are given as examples of sensorimotor integration that may promote cognitive reserve. Virtual reality and brain-computer interfaces are mentioned as emerging technologies supporting personalized, neuroplasticity-driven rehabilitation.
Supporting source [1]
How to interpret this
This is an abstract of an integrative review; the full text was not reviewed. The abstract reports associations, not causes, and gives no sample sizes, study designs or effect sizes for the cited findings. The comparative evidence on combined versus single-domain approaches is described as limited.
Based on the study abstract; the full paper, tables and supplementary data were not reviewed.
Source & supporting passages
Ferrari SSAR, Ramos MV, de Abreu FMC, de Oliveira DA, Silva LDDS, Ferreira CS, Linhares BQHDS, Titze-de-Almeida R, Tavares MCH, Titze-de-Almeida SS. · europepmc.org · October 1, 2026