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

Embargoed until 21:00, April 18, 2012

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

Research reference:

A.S. Buchman, MD et al; Rush University Medical Center in Chicago; Total daily physical activity and the risk of AD and cognitive decline in older adults; published in the online issue of Neurology

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Notes to editors:

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 800,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than ten years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them 
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
  
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk