A pair of new studies has found that exercise can help do more than keep the body young – it can also help to keep the mind sharp into old age.

The first study involved 33 adults with an average age of 70 who already had signs of mild cognitive impairment. One group exercised at high intensity levels under the supervision of a trainer for 45 to 60 minutes per day, four days per week, while a control group performed supervised stretching exercises according to the same schedule, but kept their heart rate low. Both groups underwent fitness testing, body fat analysis, blood tests of metabolic markers and had their cognitive functions assessed before, during and after the six-month trial.

Researchers found that the patients in the high-intensity aerobic exercise group experienced improved cognitive function compared with those in the control group. And, the effects were more pronounced in women than in men.

The second study evaluated 1,324 individuals without dementia who were part of the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging. Those who reported performing moderate exercise such as brisk walking, aerobics, yoga, strength training or swimming during midlife or later were less likely to have mild cognitive impairment.

Researchers say physical exercise may protect against mild cognitive impairment via the production of nerve-protecting compounds, greater blood flow to the brain, improved development and survival of neurons and the decreased risk of heart and blood vessel diseases.