Aging is generally associated with a decline in important cognitive functions that can be observed in EEG. Physical activity in older adults should be considered one of the main strategies to promote health and prevent disease in the elderly. The present study aimed to systematically review studies of EEG activity and cognitive function changes associated with physical activity in older adults. Records from PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO databases were searched and, following the PRISMA guidelines, nine studies were included in the present systematic review. A risk of bias assessment was performed using the National Institute of Health Quality Assessment Tool for Case-control Studies instrument. The studies analyzed used two main strategies to determine the effects of physical activity on cognition and EEG: (1) multiscale entropy and power frequencies; and (2) event-related potentials. In terms of EEG activity, it can be concluded that exercise-induced neuroplasticity underlies improvements in cognitive function in healthy older adults.

Background/objectives: Overweight and obesity are global public health problems associated with chronic disease and mental health. Physical activity (PA) is essential throughout a person’s life; an active lifestyle helps people to live healthier lives and improve their functional and mental abilities, such as executive function (EF). This systematic review aimed to analyze the evidence on the effects of PA on EF in overweight and/or obese adults (≥18 years old). Methods: Records from the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and JSTOR databases were searched and, following the PRISMA guidelines, seven studies were included in the present systematic review. Risk of bias was assessed using the National Institute of Health Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. Results from the studies included indicate that acute, short-term, and long-term PA interventions are an effective strategy to improve inhibitory control, working memory, and processing speed in overweight and obese adults. Furthermore, evidence indicates that EF can be effective as a measure to predict adherence to PA programs and weight loss. Conclusions: Exercise and physical activity interventions are a promising therapeutic strategy to promote weight loss and improve EF in adults with overweight and obesity. Additionally, EF may be further explored as a predictor of healthy aging due to the choices made throughout life and the long-term benefits that result.

Introduction: Correlation of ultraprocessed food (UPF) intake on executive function (EF) and physical activity (PA) in university students has become a relevant subject of interest that remains insufficiently understood. PA has a positive impact on cognition and emotional status, while UPF intake has been associated with sedentary behavior and lower cognitive performance. The present study aims to evaluate the correlation between UPF intake, PA, and EF in university students by comparing the self-reports of Mexican and Spanish youth, as well as determine significant differences between both samples in the variables of interest.Methods: Undergraduate university students (n = 265, 18–25 years) who lived in Mexico City, Mexico and Salamanca, Spain, were included in the sample; a self-report online questionnaire was constructed including frequency of UPF intake, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) Short Version and the Spanish version of the WEBEXEC Questionnaire.Results: Students in Mexico City show a significant positive correlation between PA and UPF intake, while Salamanca results indicate a significant correlation between sitting time and UPF intake, indicating that increased sedentary behavior (e.g. more sitting time or less PA) is related to increased UPF intake. Significant differences between both cities were found in sitting time and in UPF intake, while no statistically significant differences were found in EF and PA.Conclusion: The results of the present study provide initial indications of the relationship between UPF intake, physical activity, and sitting time, and executive functions in university students. This is a population in which the effect of these variables has not yet been thoroughly studied, even though the university lifestyle presents risk factors for unhealthy habits.

Introduction: This study examined the relationship between physical activity and cognitive performance in older adults living in nursing homes (i.e., those institutionalized for geriatric reasons), taking into account age and educational level as potential confounding factors. Methods: The sample consisted of 300 participants, 150 of whom were institutionalized in geriatric institutions and 150 of whom lived in community. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), while physical activity levels were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Results: Analysis revealed significant differences in cognitive performance between the two groups, with institutionalized participants achieving lower scores. Furthermore, an interaction effect between institutionalization and physical activity was identified, indicating that exercise is particularly beneficial for the cognitive health of institutionalized individuals. Discussion: These results imply that physical activity is an especially important protective factor in institutional settings where opportunities for environmental cognitive stimulation may be limited.

Introduction: This systematic review examines the association between ultraprocessed food (UPF) intake and cognitive and executive function in adults. Given the global rise in overweight and obesity and the increasing consumption of UPFs, understanding their potential impact on brain health is of growing importance. Method: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, EBSCO, and Scopus databases following PRISMA guidelines. Fourteen studies met inclusion criteria, encompassing cross-sectional, longitudinal, and experimental designs. Risk of bias was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool. Results: The majority of studies (78.5%) reported a significant association between higher UPF consumption and poorer cognitive outcomes, including deficits in memory, executive function, and global cognition. Longitudinal studies consistently demonstrated that increased UPF intake is linked to accelerated cognitive decline and a higher risk of mild cognitive impairment and dementia, particularly in middle-aged and older adults. In contrast, cross-sectional findings were more heterogeneous, and evidence in younger populations remains limited and inconclusive. Conclusions: Overall, the findings suggest that high UPF consumption may be a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline. However, methodological variability and the predominance of observational studies highlight the need for further longitudinal and experimental research to clarify causal mechanisms.