Walking at least six miles a week, perhaps in comfortable gym clothing, can preserve memory in old age, a study has suggested.

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh found that regular walking protects the size of people's brains.

"Brain size shrinks in late adulthood, which can cause memory problems. Our results should encourage well-designed trials of physical exercise in older adults as a promising approach for preventing dementia and Alzheimer's disease," said study author Dr Kirk Erickson.

He went on to say that, if regular exercise in mid life can be proven to improve brain health later in life, it should be made a "public health imperative".

The study has been published in the October 13th online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Back in July, researchers from Northwestern University in Illinois published study results, which revealed that the more women weigh, the worse their memory is.

Women who carry excess weight on their hips are more at risk of memory loss than those who carry it around their waist.

Posted by Sue Wallis ADNFCR-2569-ID-800116760-ADNFCR

Sport & Fitness Clothing News - Latest Stories

Danger of exercise to hypertensive people 'blocked'

Posted on 06-Apr-11

Scientists have found a way of preventing a greater increase in the blood pressure of women with hypertension when they exercise in their ladies running clothing.

Sport for all initiative hailed a success

Posted on 06-Apr-11

People of all ages, abilities and walks of life donned their gym clothing recently to take part in free sports sessions at the University of Nottingham.

Exercise 'keeps the heart young'

Posted on 05-Apr-11

Women who exercise regularly throughout their lives have stronger, healthier hearts than those who do not don their ladies fitness clothing often, a study has suggested.

Using own body mass 'is helpful in resistance exercise'

Posted on 04-Apr-11

Older women can benefit from donning their gym clothing and taking part in resistance exercises that include using their own body weight.

Progressive resistance training 'is good for seniors'

Posted on 01-Apr-11

Progressive resistance training can help elderly women to improve their strength in their ladies fitness clothing.