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Dancing Can Reverse The Effects Of Aging On The Brain According To A Study

Dancing Can Reverse The Effects Of Aging On The Brain According To A Study

The physical and mental decline we experience as we age is a secret to no one. Although we all have elderly people around us, just seeing a senior ten years old is enough to convince us of this reality. Especially since this aging can be accelerated by diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, dreaded by all.

So, how can we avoid being the victims ourselves? How, at least, prevent the aging process and slow it down?

This is the question that German researchers at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Magdeburg have posed and to which they might well have found some answers, thanks to a study.

Dance would have a positive impact on brain aging processes

According to this study published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, dancing has an influence on cerebral aging, it would have the power to slow down or even completely counter it.

As Dr. Kathrin Rehfeld explains, "exercise has the beneficial effect of slowing or even counteracting age-related declines in mental and physical abilities. In this study, we show that two different types of exercise (dance and endurance) both increase activity in the brain zone itself, which tends to decline with age. "

In this study, participants with an average age of 68 were separated into two groups. Participants in the first group took weekly classes in jazz, square dance, Latin dance and online dance. Participants in the second group received endurance and flexibility courses over an eighteen-month period.

It was already known from previous scientific research that physical activity combated brain aging. However, researchers wanted to know if the type of activity was important, and if so, what types of physical activity were to be preferred.

What conclusions for researchers?

At the end of the experiment, a better brain activity in the hippocampus was demonstrated in both groups.

The hippocampus is a region of the brain involved in the processes of memorization, learning and balance. This zone also plays an important role, when it is prone to decline, in the prevalence of certain neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Rehfeld concludes: "I think everyone would like to live an independent and healthy life as long as possible. Physical activity is one of the lifestyle factors that can contribute to this, countering several risk factors and slowing down age-related decline. I think that dancing is a powerful tool for taking on new physical or psychological challenges, especially in old age. "

However, it is in the first group, that of the dancers, that the best results in terms of balance have been reported. This could be explained by the fact that participants in dance classes were kept in a constant process of learning. They had to provide more mental effort to remember the choreography related to each type of dance.

Are there other ways to counter cognitive decline related to age?

In addition to regular physical activity, other methods exist for people who want to counteract cognitive decline and are ready to step outside their comfort zone.

- Food
The impact of food on our intellect is immense, just as it is on our physical form. It is important to try to eat as healthy as possible, fresh food and the closest to their natural state possible. It has been shown that omega 3, among others, has a positive effect on memory.

- Discussions with relatives
The social connection with what it involves as exchanged conversations is a great way to maintain one's memory and to ward off cognitive decline.

- Games
Games like sudoku, crossword puzzles or puzzles have stimulating effects on the intellect, and they combine pleasure and health!
Dancing Can Reverse The Effects Of Aging On The Brain According To A Study