More time in the Kitchen can cut Alzheirmer's risk

CLEANING, washing dishes and cooking can dramatically reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease even in people over the age of 80, a study has found.

Researchers asked 716 volunteers with an average age of 82 to wear a device that monitors day-to-day activity.

Participants also took part in cognitive tests to measure memory and thinking ability.

After about three years, 71 of the volunteers developed Alzheimer’s. The research, which appears in the online issue of the journal Neurology, showed that the least active were more than twice as likely to develop the disease as those who were most active.

Dr Aron Buchman, from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, said: “The results of our study indicate that all physical activities including exercise as well as other activities such as cooking, washing the dishes, and cleaning are associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

“These results provide support for efforts to encourage all types of physical activity even in very old adults who might not be able to participate in formal exercise, but can still benefit from a more active lifestyle.’’

Dr Anne Corbett, research manager at the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “It is well established that regular physical exercise is an important way to reduce your risk of developing dementia. It can reduce the risk by up to 45 per cent.

“One in three people over 65 will die with dementia, but as this shows, there are things you can do to help reduce your risk.

“Eating a Mediterranean diet high in antioxidants and oily fish and even the odd glass of red wine can also help.’’