Doing chores may help ward off dementia

WASHING up, ironing and hoovering may seem like tedious tasks.

But those who spend more time doing household chores have larger brains and could be less likely to suffer from dementia, a study has found.

It is already known that 30 minutes of daily light exercise – such as cleaning – can reduce the risk of death in older people. But scientists have found housework boosts brain volume and cognition too.

Canadian researchers recruited 66 people who had no cognitive impairment and were around the age of 70.

Participants took part in a health evaluation, cognitive test and brain imaging. Physical activity – such as tidying and dusting – was assessed by questionnaire.

Those who spent more time doing chores had greater brain volume in the hippocampus, used in memory, and in the frontal lobe, involved in cognition – regardless of how active they were.

The study, in the BMC Geriatrics journal, said the planning involved may promote new connections in the brain over time.

Senior author Dr Nicole Anderson, of Baycrest’s Rotman Research Institute in Toronto, said: ‘These findings may motivate older adults to be more active.’