SLASH Your Dementia Risk with Housework?
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted December 15, 2021
If you’re like most seniors I treat, you’ll do just about ANYTHING to keep your memory in tip-top condition.
That’s why so many of my patients go to extremes to be at their peak. Especially when it comes to preserving their memory and living long, fruitful lives.
They never stop exercising… they watch everything they eat… and they always keep up with the latest health trends.
But what if they didn’t have to go to such extremes after all?
It turns out, you can SLASH your risk of dementia with simple housework.
And it’s much easier – and more fun! – than it sounds.
Yes, I’m talking about doing chores.
Before you roll your eyes and think that I sound like a nagging spouse (or your mother when you were a child), there’s something you should know…
Chores are just an easy way to get more exercise!
And exercise is one of the BEST ways to protect your brain as you age… and I have a large stack of studies on my desk that prove it.
Exercise brings fresh blood and oxygen to the brain while taking out the “garbage” that accumulates there, like dangerous plaques that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease.
Plus, studies show that people who regularly exercise also have larger brain volume (which means more healthy brain cells) than those who don’t.
And now, a new study in the journal Neurology specifically mentions five household chores that can cut down on the risk of dementia.
Let’s take a look.
- Decluttering. By just putting things in their proper place and throwing out things you don’t need, you could boost your brain health. The authors of the study suggest that this chore also reduces stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms by eliminating clutter in your life.
- Cooking. Depending how you do it, cooking can be exercise or not. Throwing a frozen burrito into a microwave won’t do much for you, but cutting up vegetables, adding spices, and cooking more than one dish can all add up to a lot of moving around your kitchen.
- Cleaning. Dusting, cleaning a countertop, and watering house plants are all light household chores that can increase your heart rate.
- Heavy household chores. Mopping, washing dishes, and doing laundry require a little bit more of your body. And if you put on music and dance your way around the house, then you can really get your heart pumping!
- Gardening. This may be the most beneficial of all the chores. Getting outside connects you with nature, gives you fresh air, and exposes you to sunlight – all of which are good for your health and brain. If you live in a part of the U.S. with colder weather, this may not be your option right now, but remember that planting season will be here before you know it.
Next time you complain about household chores, remember, it’s easy to make them fun… and they may just be the ticket to a strong memory, and a long and healthy life.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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