By Emily Murray

Medical professionals have known for some time now that being active is one sure way to help reduce our odds of succumbing to dementia in our older years, but new research has taken this theory even further.

Remaining active can be difficult for those who have physical ailments or weaknesses that prevent them from getting up and moving the way others their age may do. A new study however has shown that activities like household chores may actually help ward of Alzheimer’s as well.

The new study was published this week and included the results which were gathered from 716 men and women without dementia in their 70s and 80s. Perhaps unsurprisingly, those who were the most active of their peers we at a greatly reduced risk of developing dementia, however those who at least we able to lead an active lifestyle, even if they are unable to actively exercise, are at a lower risk Alzheimer’s as well.

Another interesting first for the study was that unlike surveys of the past regarding exercise patterns, researchers didn’t simply rely on what people reported their activity levels to be. A more exact process was put into place as the participants were fitted with a motion sensitive device on their wrist which helps to gather more effective measurements.

With the help of these devices, researchers were able to observe that it doesn’t make a difference if you are walking on a treadmill or tending to the garden, if you are being active then you are reaping the benefits.

There is still more research to be conducted in order to fill in the gaps of the details, but this may be encouraging news for those who are still sound of mind but perhaps not sound of body enough to hit the gym. The more we know about Alzheimer’s the more likely we are to develop news ways to combat it and this study appears to be a great move in the right direction.