Exercise Can Improve Cognitive Function

Study links exercise to increased cognitive function in older women.
The New York Times (1/26, D6, Rabin) reports that a new study from researchers in British Columbia has determined that "older women who did an hour or two of strength training exercises each week had improved cognitive function a year later." The study "randomly assigned 155 women ages 65 to 75 either to strength training with dumbbells and weight machines once or twice a week or to a comparison group doing balance and toning exercises," and found that the strength training group demonstrated "an enhanced ability to make decisions, resolve conflicts and focus on subjects without being distracted by competing stimuli."