For centuries, dance manuals and other writings have lauded the health benefits of dancing, usually as physical exercise. More recently we've seen research on further health benefits of dancing, such as stress reduction and increased serotonin level, with its sense of well-being.
Most recently we've heard of another benefit: Frequent dancing apparently makes us smarter. A major study added to the growing evidence that stimulating one's mind can ward off Alzheimer's disease and other dementia, much as physical exercise can keep the body fit. Dancing also increases cognitive acuity at all ages. Here's a summary of a report published in the New England Journal of Medicine on a 21-year study of senior citizens, 75 and older, led by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, funded by the National Institute on Aging.
The study wanted to see if any physical of cognitive recreational activities influenced mental acuity. They discovered that some activities had a significant beneficial effect while other activities had none.
One of the surprises of the study was that almost none of the physical activities appeared to offer any protection against dementia. Of course, there can be cardiovascular benefits, but this study was focused on the brain. There was one important exception: the only physical activity to offer protection against dementia was frequent dancing.
Reading - 35% reduced risk of dementia: Bicycling and swimming - 0%; Doing crossword puzzles at least four days a week - 47%; Playing gold - 0%; Dancing frequently - 76%. Dancing frequently was the greatest risk reduction of any activity studied, cognitive or physical. Dancing. The greatest benefit appears to come from freestyle, social dancing over memorized sequence dancing.
Dancing integrates several brain functions at once, involving kinesthetic, rational, musical and emotional processes. The study also suggested to do it often. More is better. And do it now, the sooner the better.
Think about adding some dance fitness to your healthy lifestyle. Try classes that integrate dance, look for social situations where you can dance. Get the family rocking freestyle at home for some fun. There are many ways to incorporate healthy activity into your lifestyle. Think and dance outside the box.
barbarajlaird.zumba.com
