Scientists have determined that regular exercise and healthy foods (modeled after the Mediterranean diet) could have a significant cumulative effect in reducing one’s risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), followed over 1800 septuagenarians and scrutinized what they ate and their level of activity. Over the course of five years, 282 cases of Alzheimer’s disease were diagnosed.

What the researchers found was that there was a 40% reduction in the risk of developing the disease when people adhered to a healthy diet, and a 37% reduction for those who got the most exercise. The combined effect of both lifestyle choices was even greater, resulting in a 59% reduction.

Previous data has shown that either diet or exercise alone could help in preventing mental decline. In one study, it was found that people aged 65 or older who were physically active at least three times a week were 38% less likely to develop the disorder. Physical activity included everything from aerobics to hiking and regular stretching.

While the exact mechanism is not clearly known, it is thought to result from the increased flow of blood and oxygen to the brain that happens when we are active. Exercise is also believed to reduce the incidence of neural plaque formation, which is closely linked to Alzheimer’s disease, a finding that has been seen in animal models, as well.

Our diets have also been thought to play an important role in our mental health, and scientific data has supported this idea, as well. This is especially true when it involves a Mediterranean diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and olive oil. As a person consumes more of these healthy foods, the more their risk declines.

Furthermore, it has been suggested that eating these foods helps patients suffering from Alzheimer’s live longer (up to four years) than their counterparts who eat a more traditional Western diet high in saturated fats and meat.

All in all, the information is a compelling argument in favor of certain lifestyle choices, namely diet and exercise. Best of all, the proper choices in these areas have been shown to benefit many other areas of our health, including our hearts and our immune systems.

So consider what has been told to you all these years. Cut back on saturated fats and meat and get more fruits and vegetables in your diet. Before you engage in a rigorous exercise routine, consult your physician or an exercise specialist, but just do it. Get up and move around. You’ll not only look and feel better, but you never know, you might even enjoy it.