"What struck me most about the study results is that it is not one but a combination of lifestyle choices and activities that benefit the brain," Raji said.
"Virtually all of the physical activities examined in this study are some variation of aerobic physical activity, which we know from other work can improve cerebral blood flow and strengthen neuronal (brain cell) connections," he said.
Researchers used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a technique called voxel-based morphometry, "an advanced method that allows a computer to analyze an MR image and build a mathematical model that helps us understand the relationship between active lifestyle and gray matter volume," said Raji.
These findings were presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).
