Like many conditions, the risk of dementia majorly increases the older we get. It is most common in those over the age of 65.
However, ageing does not mean you will definitely develop dementia. Around one in 11 over 65s in the UK are affected.
It is also thought that around 40 percent of dementia cases are preventable by making certain lifestyle changes.
These include eating a healthy diet, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and having an active social life.
How physically active you are is also a contributing factor.
One expert further revealed that carrying certain common daily activities can help lower your risk for dementia.
Doctor Alexis Missck, from UK Meds, recommended activities such as cleaning and gardening.
She said: “Studies have found that daily activities such as cleaning, gardening, brisk walking and washing up can all reduce the risk of dementia.”
She added: “To help prevent dementia, avoid sitting down for too long, drinking above the recommended limits and smoking.
“There is also a higher risk for dementia for people who are experiencing loneliness and social isolation, so it is a good idea to talk to a GP if you are experiencing these issues.”
Her advice is backed by the Alzheimer’s Society, which stated that regular exercise could reduce the risk of dementia by around 28 percent and Alzheimer’s disease specifically by 45 percent.
However, this does not have to mean regimented activity such as running or playing sports.
“Physical exercise does not just mean playing a sport or running,” the charity said.
“It can also mean a daily activity such as brisk walking, cleaning or gardening.
“One study found that daily physical tasks such as cooking and washing up can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.”
One study, published in Neurology journal in 2019, found that people who took part in physical activity in mid-life were less likely to develop dementia later.
It explained: “Physical activity in midlife was associated with a reduced risk of mixed dementia and dementia with cerebrovascular disease.
“The results were similar after excluding those who developed dementia before 1990, except that physical activity was then also associated with reduced risk of total dementia.”
It also found that keeping the mind active at this age had an impact.
The study concluded: “Our findings suggest that midlife cognitive and physical activities are independently associated with reduced risk of dementia and dementia subtypes.
“The results indicate that these midlife activities may have a role in preserving cognitive health in old age.”
