A CHORE-FIRE WAY TO COMBAT ALZHEIMER’S
Household activities are good for you
COOKING, washing the dishes and gardening can all cut the risk of Alzheimer’s by more than a fifth.
A study of more than half a million Brits found those who did household chores were 21 per cent less likely to develop the disease.
It was the second biggest protective activity behind regular brisk walks or bike rides – which lowered cases by 35 per cent.
The other vital factor was meeting up with family and friends, which was linked to 15 per cent lower rates.
Lead author Professor Huan Song, of Sichuan University in China, said: “We wanted to know more about a wide variety of lifestyle habits and their potential role in the prevention of dementia.
“Our study found that exercise, household chores and social visits were linked to a reduced risk of various types of dementia.”
The team analysed data from the ongoing UK Biobank study which is tracking the health of 501,376 older people.
Those most engaged in physical and mental activities were least likely to be diagnosed with dementia over an average follow-up period of 11 years.
A separate study using Biobank data found every 10 per cent increase in daily junk food intake raises the risk of dementia by 25 per cent. Scientists followed more than 73,000 over-55s for an average of 10 years.
The food to avoid ranges from burgers, chicken nuggets, sausages, pizzas and chips to yoghurt, baked beans, ice cream, cakes, biscuits and fizzy drinks.
Study lead author Dr Huiping Li, of Tianjin Medical University in China, said: “Our research not only found ultra-processed foods are associated with an increased risk of dementia but also replacing them with healthy options may decrease dementia risk.”