A new study has found that daily activity that can be as simple as household chores could reduce the risk of dementia.
Those in the study who had a higher level of physical activity were thought to be at a reduced dementia risk, while those who watched a lot of TV were associated with a higher risk.
The study looked at 500,000 volunteers who had an average age of 56, with participants self-reporting the amount and type of physical activity they do as part of the UK Biobank study.
Published in the scientific journal Neurology, it was found that 5,185 people in the study developed dementia during the 10-year period where the research took place.
Activities that were linked with a reduced risk included walking for pleasure, doing DIY and housework and getting to and from work.
Meanwhile there were a number of mental activities, such as seeing family or friends, or doing other group activities which were also associated with a lower risk of dementia.
Dr Sara Imarisio, Head of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said in reaction to the study: "Loving your heart, staying sharp and keeping connected with other people are three easy to follow rules to help keep your brain healthy as you age."
The doctor adds: "Keeping our brains healthy as we age can help stave off diseases like Alzheimer’s, which physically attack brain cells, tearing away at the very essence of who we are.
“We know that being physically and socially active can help us feel happier, healthier and more positive in general. Lifting weights and running marathons aren’t for everyone, but there are many ways that we can stay physically active in our lives.
"This self-reported study adds to evidence that finding something you can stick to that keeps you physically and socially active is likely to have the greatest benefit to your health, rather than the activity itself.
"The researchers found that even people with a high genetic risk for Alzheimer’s, the most common cause of dementia, could benefit from keeping physically active."
She urges people to visit www.thinkbrainhealth.org.uk if they are looking for more information and advice on brain health.
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