As we age, we experience a corresponding decline in mental and physical abilities, the most extreme example being Alzheimer's disease, commonly known as dementia. A recent study published in the neuroscience journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience suggests that older people who participate in regular exercise activities can effectively reverse the aging of the brain, with dancing showing a particularly significant effect.
Based on her research at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Dr. Kathrin Rehfeld, who led the study, said, "Exercise is effective in slowing down or even eliminating age-related brain and physical decline, and our results demonstrate that two types of exercise, dancing and endurance exercise, can improve age-related brain decline. Two types of exercise, dancing and endurance exercise, have been shown to improve age-induced brain deterioration. And those who compared these two types of exercise found that only dancing significantly improved balance."
The average age of the elderly volunteers who participated in the study was 68, and these seniors were divided into two groups that participated in either dancing or endurance exercise once a week for 18 months. The final results showed that both groups of volunteers showed improvements in the hippocampal region of the brain. This finding is of great importance because the hippocampus is closely associated with age-related functional decline, especially Alzheimer's disease. This area of the brain is also important for memory and learning ability, as well as the ability to maintain physical balance.
While previous research has shown that exercise activities can help combat brain aging, it has not been known whether one type of exercise is more effective than others. While traditional exercise programs are typically repetitive movements, such as riding or walking, dancing is different: People who learn to dance have to learn something new every week, which can be challenging for them. To draw their conclusions, the researchers had volunteers participate in different forms of exercise modalities.
Dr Rehfeld explains: "The reason why dancing has an unusual effect on reversing brain aging is that it is very difficult for dancers to make the right dance movements in a short period of time without a leader. We try to have older volunteers who participate in dance movement change different genres of dance movement (jazz, square dance, Latin, etc.). The dance walks, groupings, formations, speeds and rhythms are changed every two weeks to keep the volunteers in a constant state of learning."
"We are currently developing a new treatment that relies on a special sensor that translates the body's movements into music. We know that Alzheimer's patients are sensitive to musical performance, so we hope to use a combination of physical movement and music for the treatment of Alzheimer's patients.?
Everyone wants to live an independent and healthy life. Exercise is one such habit that can do a lot of good, not a lot of harm, and can stop many of the risk factors for disease and slow down the deterioration that comes with age. Dancing gives our brains and bodies new challenges, especially in old age. Dr. Rehfeld concludes by suggesting that it's time to get up and dance to your favorite music!