As we age, our physical and mental fitness declines, which can be aggravated by diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. A new study, published in the open-access journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, shows that older people who regularly exercise, and more specifically dance, can reverse the signs of aging in the brain.
"Exercise has the beneficial effect of slowing or even counteracting the decline in age-related mental and physical ability," says Dr. Kathrin Rehfeld, lead author of the study, based at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases. of Magdeburg, Germany. "In this study, we show that two different types of physical exercise (dance and endurance) both increase activity in the brain zone itself, which tends to decline with age. In comparison, only dance resulted in significant behavioral changes in terms of improved balance.
Volunteers, on average 68 years old, were recruited for the study and awarded either a weekly dance class or endurance and flexibility training. Both groups showed an increase in the region of the hippocampus of the brain. This is important because this part may be subject to age-related decline and is affected by diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. The hippocampus also plays a key role in memory and learning.
"We are currently evaluating a new system called" Jymmin "(jamming and gymnastics). It is a system based on sensors that generate sounds (melodies, rhythm) based on physical activity. We know that patients with dementia respond strongly when they listen. We want to combine the promising aspects of physical activity and active music production in a feasibility study of patients with dementia. "
"I think everyone would want to lead an independent and healthy life for as long as possible. Physical activity is one of the lifestyle factors that can contribute to it. It helps to fight against several risk factors and to slow the decline related to age. I believe that dancing is a powerful tool for defining new challenges for the body and mind, especially among the elderly. "
Other studies prove it
The Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York conducted a 21-year study of adults over 75 years old, funded by the National Institute of Aging and published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The study examined whether recreational activities influenced mental acuity. Activities included reading, writing for fun, crosswords, playing cards and instruments, as well as playing tennis, golf, swimming and other exercises. She revealed that virtually no physical activity had any effect on dementia except for
Another study conducted at the University of Illinois and other schools examined cognitive and neurological changes in the brain after six months of fast-walking, dancing or stretching and balancing routine.
The researchers wanted to see if dance lessons could have an impact on the brain's ability to understand new information. The white matter of the brain, also called myelin, connects nerve cells and facilitates the processing of information. It declines with age, but exercise, socialization and mental stimulation can preserve it.
These studies concluded that white matter had actually increased in the group that had taken dance classes, while it had decreased slightly in groups that had performed other exercises.
The final result
Dance is not only a social activity, it also provides the kind of exercise that is appropriate for older people to stay active and lively.
The added bonus of cognitive protection only makes it more interesting. There is no need to worry about getting older these days, just choose a dance partner and vibrate to the sounds of music. You will feel younger and your brain will remain as structured as ever.
