Different Exercises for Prevention and Treatment of Brain Disorders in Older Adults: A Review Study

Objectives Aging is a complex biological process that results in a decline in the physiological function of various body organs, including the nervous system. Physical and cognitive exercise are among the most important interventions for managing and hindering brain disorders associated with aging. This study aimed to review the effect of various types of exercise on neurological disorders in older adults. Methods & Materials This is a scoping review study that followed the framework outlined by Arksey and O’Malley. The databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were thoroughly searched using the following terms: Aging, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke, and exercise. The studies that assessed the effect of different types of exercises on the brain in older adults and were published in English from 2005 to 2024 were included. Finally, 56 relevant articles were included in the review. Results Different physical exercises have different effects on diseases related to the nervous system and aging. Among them, the best types of physical exercises were moderate- and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) combined with cognitive exercises. Conclusion Physical exercises with moderate to high intensity and the combination of physical exercises with cognitive activities have more beneficial effects for older adults. In addition, group exercises and dual-task training have a greater role than other exercise methods in preventing nervous system disorders in older adults.