Study suggests exercise may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease at any age

The study also showed that activities such as cooking, washing the dishes and cleaning are associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease.

The study was carried out by Rush University Medical Centre in Chicago. A group of 716 people with an average age of 82 wore a device that records all exercise and non exercise for 10 days. They were also given annual tests during the four year study that measured memory and thinking. 71 people developed Alzheimer's disease during the study. The research found that people in the bottom 10 per cent of daily physical activity were more than twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's disease as people in the top 10 per cent.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'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. This study adds to this evidence and suggests that simple things like cooking and cleaning can also make a difference.

'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. It is important to maintain a healthy weight and stop smoking. Eating a Mediterranean diet high in antioxidants and oily fish and even the odd glass of red wine can also help.'

Dr Anne Corbett
Research Manager
Alzheimer's Society

Further Information