In the quest to keep the brain youthful and spry, many people rely on herbal supplements and good nutrition.

Now, new research suggests adding another element to a routine to help prevent memory problems: exercise.

The findings of a study presented at the Radiological Society of North America reveal that older adults who engage in physical activity on a regular basis are able to increase the blood flow to their brain and boost the number of cerebral blood vessels.

Scientists at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill say that these effects can help postpone some of the memory-related effects of aging that people may experience.

The researchers came to their conclusions by comparing the MRI scan results of two groups of patients – those who had participated in aerobic exercise for a minimum of three hours per week during the previous 10 years and those who had done so for less than an hour per week.

According to study author Dr. J. Keith Smith, “the active adults had more small vessels and improved cerebral blood flow.”

“These findings further point out the importance of regular exercise to healthy aging,” he added.

Separate research has found that older people who have a folate deficiency are also more likely to suffer from dementia, which may highlight the importance of using nutritional supplements to ensure a well-balanced diet.