(September 2, 2008 - Insidermedicine) Regular exercise can help stave off the memory loss that often accompanies getting older, according to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Here are some facts about exercise:

•    Just about anyone can safely to do some form of exercise at little or no cost. There is no need to join an expensive gym.

•    Exercise does not have to be strenuous to be beneficial. If you have health problems, check with your health care professional first.

•    To help keep you exercising, choose activities you enjoy and, if possible, get a friend to join you.

Researchers from the University of Melbourne assigned nearly 140 adults over the age of 50 who were experiencing mild problems with their memory to undergo a 24-week home-based exercise program or education and usual care. The exercise program involved exercising moderately for 50 minutes three times a week.

Those in the exercise group were physically active for an average of 142 more minutes a week than those in the non-exercise group. Starting at six months, those who exercised started to have significantly better scores on a standard rating scale that tests memory and intellect than those who did not exercise. These differences persisted for at least another year.

Today's research highlights the benefits that exercise can have on the brain, helping slow the development of memory problems that can accompany old age.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.