The authors agree that exercise protects against cognitive decline and improves brain function. A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides ample evidence that for people of all ages, including middle school students, exercise benefits cognitive performance. School-aged youth who get regular physical activity and physical education score better on academic tests, and adults who exercise are at lower risk of diseases such as Alzheimer's than adults who do not exercise. Use this link to access the CDC report: www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/health_and_academics/pdf/health-academic-achievement.pdf