# Exercise Beats Brain Games for Protecting Aging Minds, Review Finds

*Lifestyle interventions for dementia prevention in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review.*

- **Evidence Level**: Moderate
- **Publication Types**: Journal Article, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis
- **Journal**: BMJ global health
- **Sample Size**: 25 trials, 1,304 adults with mild cognitive issues
- **Authors**: Espinoza Jeraldo RI, Zabihi S, Miranda-Castillo C, Marshall CR, Cooper C
- **Published**: 2026-06-22
- **Topics**: dementia, exercise, cognition
- **DOI**: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2024-017630
- **Original Source**: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42331514/

## Summary

Researchers looked at trials in poorer countries for people with early memory problems. Both exercise and combined lifestyle programs improved thinking skills. Exercise had the strongest and most consistent effect. The catch: the review found signs that studies with weak results may not have been published, which makes the benefit look bigger than it really is.

## Practical Takeaway

This review suggests regular exercise may help protect thinking skills in people with early memory decline.

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