For all you people who like to get your groove on on the dance floor will probably be surprised to find out that you are doing yourself a world of good. Dancing is more than just an enjoyable activity to experience with friends or your partner; dancing has the amazing ability to improve the way your brain functions. Let’s look at five exciting things that dancing can do to your brain. It’ll enhance neuroplasticity.
According to a study which was led by Albert Einstein, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, It was conducted that over a period of 21 years and looked at senior citizens 75 years and older. The researchers measured mental acuity in aging by monitoring rates of dementia. The aim of the study was to find out if any physical or cognitive recreational activities had an effect on mental acuity.
Also adding to the study found that some cognitive activities influence mental acuity, but almost none of the physical activities had had any effect. The one exception was frequent dancing. Some findings of the studies were:
Dancing frequently – 76% reduced risk of dementia
Doing crossword puzzles at least four days a week – 47% reduced risk of dementia
Bicycling and swimming – 0% reduced risk of dementia
Reading – 35% reduced risk of dementia
Playing golf – 0% reduced risk of dementia
Those who dance regularly have greater cognitive reserves and an increased complexity of neuronal synapses, Dr. Robert Katzman [Neurologist]. Dancing lowered the risk of dementia by improving these neural qualities. Dancing may cause the brain to continually rewire its neural pathways and by doing so help with neuroplasticity.