What's good for the body is good for the brain.

Lifelong exercise can lead to improved brain function in later life, a study has shown.

People perform better in mental tests at the age of 50 if they have engaged in regular intense activity, such as playing sport, running, swimming or working out in the gym, since childhood.

More than 9,000 individuals took part in the British research from the age of 11.

Interviews were conducted at regular age intervals to monitor levels of exercise. Participants also undertook tests of memory, attention and learning.

Those who had exercised two to three times per month or more from the age of 11 scored higher in the tests than those who had not.

Study leader Alex Dregan, from King’s College London, said: “As exercise represents a key component of lifestyle interventions to prevent cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer, public health interventions to promote lifelong exercise have the potential to reduce the personal and social burden associated with these conditions in late adult years.”

The findings are published in the journal Psychological Medicine.

UK guidelines say that adults aged 19 to 64 should exercise for at least 150 minutes per week.

“It’s widely acknowledged that a healthy body equals a healthy mind,” said Dregan. “However, not everyone is willing or able to take part in the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week. For these people any level of physical activity may benefit their cognitive well-being in the long term and this is something that needs to be explored further.

“Setting lower exercise targets at the beginning and gradually increasing their frequency and intensity could be a more effective method for improving levels of exercise within the wider population.”

Intense exercise appeared to provide greater benefit for the brain than regular moderate activity, said Dregan.

“Clinical trials are required to further explore the benefits of exercise for cognitive well-being among older adults, while examining the effects of exercise with varying levels of frequency and intensity,” he added.