Doing exercise every day can considerably reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, even if you start becoming physically active after 80 years of age, researchers from Rush University Medical Center reported in the journal Neurology.

The researchersadded that increased physical activity may include becoming involved in daily chores, such as housework. Lead author, Dr. Aron S. Buchman, said that "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."

Citation: Buchman, A. S. (2012). Total daily physical activity and the risk of AD and cognitive decline in older adults. Neurology, Epublished 18 April 2012, doi: 10.1212/WNL.0b013e3182535d35.

Read the full news item at Medical News Today on this research paper.