Enhancing Language Learning in Ageing With Exercise (2016-2020)

There is now compelling evidence for the benefits of exercise on cognition in older adults, however, it is unclear whether exercise improves age-related language problems. This project aims to determine if exercise improves language learning and consolidation in ageing. Exercise-induced changes in brain activity and biomarkers will be examined in an innovative set of studies that seeks to identify the brain mechanisms involved. The findings are expected to contribute to theories of word learning and cognitive ageing and should advance our understanding of how exercise may be harnessed to optimise language and cognition which has practical applications in a range of populations with language and learning difficulties.