Being"housebound"could double Alzheimer's risk

Caregivers who are looking after older parents may know firsthand that the duty can be an important one - not just because of senior health issues, but because visiting keeps adults social. This, too, goes for retirees who have chosen to move to a retirement living community and now have the opportunity to create a new network of friends. 


Socialization also appears to play a serious role in Alzheimer's risk - a new study claims that being housebound can double one's chances of developing the condition, according to Healthday News.


"People who don't leave their home as much aren't engaging with their environment and meeting new people," lead investigator Bryan James said, the news source reports.

"They may not be using their minds as much."


More than anything, the findings seem to stress the importance of living an active lifestyle where one continually meets new friends during retirement. Experts also recommend exercising and staying intellectually engaged as ways to reduce dementia risk.


The Alzheimer's Association estimates that 5.4 million Americans are affected by Alzheimer's disease and almost 15 million caregivers are tending to the needs of these patients. 


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