Priambodo, A and Ayubi, N. and Wibawa, J.C. and Kurnaz, M. (2026) The role of aerobic exercise in improving cognitive function through brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression: a systematic review. Медичні перспективи = Medicni perspektivi (Medical perspectives, Т. 31 (2). pp. 164-173. ISSN 2307-0404 (print), 2786-4804 (online)
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Abstract
Aging is a major risk factor that progressively contributes to the decline of brain function and increases susceptibility to various neurodegenerative disorders, including dementia. One biological factor that plays a central role in maintaining cognitive health and function is Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). The decline in BDNF levels that occurs during aging has been linked to a weakening of the brain's ability to form and maintain new synaptic connections, thereby increasing the risk of cognitive impairment. Furthermore, low BDNF levels are also associated with increased susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases,such as Alzheimer's, due to the brain's reduced capacity to maintain healthy neuronal function. Therefore, understanding the role of BDNF in the context of aging is crucial for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies to maintain cognitive function in the elderly population. Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, is a non-pharmacological strategy proven to increase BDNF levels. Several studies have shown that aerobic exercise can improve memory and cognition by increasing BDNF. However, the underlying mechanisms are still limited. Therefore, further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and benefits of aerobic exercise in improving brain health and preventing cognitive decline. This study aimed to determine the effect of aerobic exercise on increasing BDNF levels in humans. We searched several literature databases, such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct, for our systematic review. We searched for articles published between 2015 and 2025 that discussed aerobic exercise and BDNF. Using Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Science Direct, 563 publications were identified. For this systematic review, ten papers that met the inclusion criteria were selected and reviewed. In this study, standard operating procedures were evaluated using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. The results of this systematic review indicate that aerobic exercise has been shown to increase BDNF levels in humans. By increasing BDNF levels, aerobic exercise may be a therapeutic strategy for dementia. However, more rigorous clinical trials are needed to validate this
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | doi: 10.26641/2307-0404.2026.2.365923 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Key words: health, aerobic training, dementia, physical exercise; здоров'я, аеробні тренування, деменція, фізичні вправи |
| Subjects: | Therapy. Therapeutic interventions |
| Divisions: | University periodicals > Medical perspectives |
| Depositing User: | Ирина Медведева |
| Date Deposited: | 14 Sep 2026 08:57 |
| Last Modified: | 14 Sep 2026 08:57 |
| URI: | http://repo.dma.dp.ua/id/eprint/10281 |
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