Alzheimer's disease: 5 things to do at home to help lower your risk

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A combination of aging population and the lack of treatment methods that stop the disease stimulated the search for preventive measures. Lifestyle is currently recognized as the most modifiable risk factor for this disease, and a new study suggests that certain household chores can help reduce the risk.

A new study has found that even simple, menial tasks such as gardening, cooking and washing dishes can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease if they are done often enough.

In the study, 716 men and women participated. who do not suffer from dementia, aged 70 to 80.

Compared to the most active people, those with the lowest levels of total physical activity had more than twice the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Increased physical activity was also associated with slower rates of age-related memory and cognitive decline.

“This suggests that people in their 80s who are unable to engage in formal exercise still benefits, leading a more active lifestyle,” said lead author Dr. Aron S. Buchman, associate professor of neurological sciences at Rush University Medical Center.

He added:

“You don't need to get a membership to a local gym. If you just go up a few more steps, get up and start washing dishes, you will benefit because it will be gradual and accumulate throughout the day.”

Another Canadian study found that older people who spend more time housework, have larger brain size, which is a reliable indicator of cognitive health.

Emphasizing the benefits of housework can motivate older people to be more active “by providing a more realistic form of low-risk physical activity,” they noted researchers.