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.
View More Free Articles
A New Reason to Ditch Processed Junk
If you’ve ever walked the inside aisles of your local grocery store and thought, “This is all just junk,” your instincts were spot on. A new study published in the journal Thorax just added another red flag to the list of dangers linked to ultra-processed food—a 41 percent higher risk of lung cancer. That’s right....
When Being Winded on Stairs Is Serious (And When It Isn’t)
I had an athlete visit me recently because he experienced shortness of breath while climbing stairs. He is in great shape, so he was worried about what it might mean. “Doc,” he said, “I run five miles three times a week. Why am I huffing and puffing after two flights of stairs?” His concern is...
Study EXPOSES Hidden Danger Lurking in Your Car
We think of our homes and cars as safe havens. But according to a startling new study, they may be flooding your lungs with microscopic plastic particles—every single day. Researchers in France recently found that adults inhale an average of 68,000 microplastic particles daily from indoor air alone. To put that in perspective, that’s about...
Mailbag: Is Modern Food Making You Snore?
“What can cause snoring, and is there a way to correct this issue?” —Seeking Silence Hi Seeking, Snoring happens when the soft tissues in your throat relax and vibrate as air passes through during sleep. While several factors can cause snoring—from sleep position to nasal congestion—I want to share one trigger that might surprise you....
Simple Food Swap SLASHES Dementia Risk 28%
Let’s be honest… who would jump at the chance to cut their dementia risk by 28 percent. And no, you don’t need to run marathons, survive on broccoli, or learn to play the zither (whatever that is) to make it happen. All it takes is one easy swap—something that’s probably already in your refrigerator. Researchers...
This SMART Floss Exposes Hidden Health Danger
Scientists have created dental floss that doesn’t just clean between your teeth—it also tracks your stress while you’re flossing. Now, I know what you’re thinking… “Great—now even flossing is going to stress me out by telling me how stressed I am.” But this fascinating new tool from Tufts University could be a game-changer for understanding...
Is This "Safe" Sweetener Damaging Your Brain?
The headlines are alarming… “Popular Sugar Substitute Linked to Brain Cell Damage” and “Erythritol Could Damage Critical Brain Barrier” are just two of the dozens I’ve spotted recently. But before you toss every sugar-free product in your pantry, let’s take a closer look at what this study actually shows—and what it doesn’t. The latest research...
This Summer Threat Could SPIKE Your Blood Sugar
Picture this… It’s another scorching hot summer day. You crank up the air conditioning while watching the weather forecast, which predicts yet another “record-breaking” heat wave. It’s starting to feel like just another miserably uncomfortable summer. But what you might not realize is that—if you have diabetes—those rising temps could do far more damage to...
Move Over Yogurt—5 Foods That Pack MORE Probiotics
Let’s talk about your gut. The microbiome is the collection of trillions of bacteria and other tiny organisms that live in and on your body—especially in your gut—and help keep you healthy. I’ve written often about how vital it is to maintain a healthy microbiome. And you might have dutifully added yogurt to your shopping...
Is Your Heart Older Than YOU?
Maybe you feel young for your age. Good energy, decent sleep, eating your veggies. But what if I told you your heart might be a decade older than the rest of you? That’s exactly what researchers at Northwestern University found in a new study published in JAMA Cardiology. The average American woman’s heart is about...