By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - It is a commonly held belief that regular exercise helps you think more clearly and may help offset memory problems down the road. But does exercise really have that dramatic of an effect?

The question has been asked in study after study. Researchers looked at the role of exercise in men and women over 50 years of age. According to the researchers, exercising 30 minutes a day 5 days a week can increase blood flow to the brain. It can help control high blood pressure and it can help with blood sugar.

All three can have both a short-term and long-term effect when it comes to helping memory and cognitive functions.

I think it’s a very important point that we know that exercise is good in so many ways. This is another reason why it’s important just to get out there. I know it sounds simple but it takes a bit of effort.