Can exercise permanently lower forgetfulness?

PostedOctober 18, 2025

UpdatedOctober 18, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Avery Lombardi, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

While exercise may not offer a “permanent cure” for ADHD memory issues, it can significantly improve cognitive function and reduce forgetfulness over time. Regular physical activity has been shown to boost brain health, enhance attention improvement, and support better memory retention all of which are essential for those managing ADHD symptoms.

For people with ADHD, the brain’s ability to focus, organise, and remember information can be compromised. Exercise helps mitigate these challenges by stimulating the production of neurochemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a key role in regulating attention, focus, and memory. This is why ADHD exercise memory can be a powerful tool to improve symtoms like forgetfulness.

How exercise supports memory and attention

Here’s how ADHD exercise memory benefits unfold:

Increases brain plasticity

Exercise enhances neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new connections and improve existing ones, supporting memory and cognitive function.

Reduces mental fatigue

Regular physical activity reduces stress and anxiety, which can contribute to mental fog and memory lapses in people with ADHD.

Enhances focus

Exercise improves the brain’s ability to concentrate and sustain attention, reducing forgetfulness caused by distractions or lack of focus.

Boosts executive function

Exercise is linked to better planning, task initiation, and working memory, all of which contribute to improved day-to-day function for those with ADHD.

In conclusion, while exercise alone might not “cure” ADHD-related memory problems, it can definitely play a vital role in attention improvement and reducing forgetfulness. Incorporating regular physical activity into your routine can offer lasting benefits.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert guidance tailored to your unique situation.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Zoning out & Forgetfulness in ADHD.

Avery Lombardi, MSc

Author

Avery Lombardi is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has professional experience in psychological assessment, evidence-based therapy, and research, working with both child and adult populations. Avery has provided clinical services in hospital, educational, and community settings, delivering interventions such as CBT, DBT, and tailored treatment plans for conditions including anxiety, depression, and developmental disorders. She has also contributed to research on self-stigma, self-esteem, and medication adherence in psychotic patients, and has created educational content on ADHD, treatment options, and daily coping strategies.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.