A meta-analysis of 15 prospective studies found that physical activity significantly reduces the risk of cognitive decline in nondemented individuals. The analysis included 33,816 participants followed for 1–12 years, with 3,210 cases of cognitive decline. High levels of physical activity were associated with a 38% reduced risk of cognitive decline (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.54–0.70; P < 0.00001), while low-to-moderate activity also showed a 35% reduction (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.57–0.75; P < 0.00001). No significant heterogeneity was found among the studies. The study concluded that physical activity provides consistent protection against cognitive decline, regardless of intensity. The results suggest that physical activity may help maintain cognitive function by improving cerebrovascular health, reducing cardiovascular risk factors, and promoting neurotrophic effects. However, the study had limitations, including variability in methods for assessing cognitive decline and physical activity levels. The findings highlight the importance of physical activity in preserving cognitive function in aging populations, even in the absence of neurodegenerative disease. The protective effect was not dose-dependent, but may be stronger in women than in men. Further research is needed to determine the optimal type, frequency, and intensity of exercise for cognitive preservation.A meta-analysis of 15 prospective studies found that physical activity significantly reduces the risk of cognitive decline in nondemented individuals. The analysis included 33,816 participants followed for 1–12 years, with 3,210 cases of cognitive decline. High levels of physical activity were associated with a 38% reduced risk of cognitive decline (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.54–0.70; P < 0.00001), while low-to-moderate activity also showed a 35% reduction (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.57–0.75; P < 0.00001). No significant heterogeneity was found among the studies. The study concluded that physical activity provides consistent protection against cognitive decline, regardless of intensity. The results suggest that physical activity may help maintain cognitive function by improving cerebrovascular health, reducing cardiovascular risk factors, and promoting neurotrophic effects. However, the study had limitations, including variability in methods for assessing cognitive decline and physical activity levels. The findings highlight the importance of physical activity in preserving cognitive function in aging populations, even in the absence of neurodegenerative disease. The protective effect was not dose-dependent, but may be stronger in women than in men. Further research is needed to determine the optimal type, frequency, and intensity of exercise for cognitive preservation.