Roles of Physical Activity and Nutritional Patterns in Optimizing Cognitive Function, Enhancing Neuroplasticity, and Preventing Cognitive Decline across the Lifespan

Authors

  • Zahid Bashir Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
  • Umer Asmat National Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.
  • Amna Talat Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Mirpur University of Science and Technology (MUST), Mirpur, AJK, Pakistan.
  • Sawera Ali Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Mirpur University of Science and Technology (MUST), Mirpur, AJK, Pakistan.
  • Khadija Zafar Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Mirpur University of Science and Technology (MUST), Mirpur, AJK, Pakistan.
  • Mahpara Sajid Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Mirpur University of Science and Technology (MUST), Mirpur, AJK, Pakistan.
  • Maria Haris Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v3i9.2293

Keywords:

Physical Activity, Nutritional Patterns, Cognitive Function, Neuroplasticity, Cognitive Decline

Abstract

Modern neuroscience increasingly recognizes the critical roles of both diet and physical activity in promoting cognitive function and brain plasticity. While exercise has been widely acknowledged as a modulator of neurogenesis and synaptic function, nutritional patterns also significantly affect neurochemical balance, inflammatory processes, and neuronal integrity. There are multiple brain functions for example development and maintenance of brain functions, memory and learning process, the healing process of brain damage and environmental adaption, all depend completely on neuroplasticity. In this review, we examine the enormous potential of neuroplasticity in relation to several facets of brain function in both the setting of sickness and throughout life. We'll also go over how the aging brain changes and how important neuroplasticity is for preserving cognitive function as we age. This review consolidates recent evidence on the synergistic effects of diet and exercise in enhancing cognitive performance and structural brain plasticity. The combination of nutrition and exercise provides a potent remedy for mental well-being and aging longevity. We may develop a robust mind and give our lives more vitality and meaning by adopting an active lifestyle and practicing mindful eating. Drawing from human clinical trials, epidemiological data, and mechanistic animal studies, we explore the biological pathways involved, including neurotrophin regulation, oxidative stress modulation, and gut-brain interactions. The review article concludes by discussing translational implications and proposing integrated lifestyle strategies for lifelong cognitive health.

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2025-09-15

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Vol. 3 No. 9 (2025): Indus Journal of Bioscience Research

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Review Article

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Bashir, Z., Asmat, U., Talat, A., Ali, S., Zafar, K., Sajid, M., & Haris, M. (2025). Roles of Physical Activity and Nutritional Patterns in Optimizing Cognitive Function, Enhancing Neuroplasticity, and Preventing Cognitive Decline across the Lifespan. Indus Journal of Bioscience Research, 3(9), 91-96. https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v3i9.2293