The positive effects of staying active to boost neurological health has been a general understanding for a lengthy time now, but new research proposes that dancing specifically can have anti-aging effects on the brain and improve behavior and balance.
The hippocampus plays a key role in learning and memory, and is the area of the brain associated with causing dementia symptoms and impacting balance. In a recent published group study, half of all elderly volunteers were assigned an 18-month weekly course of dance routines (altered bi-monthly) and the other half were given endurance and flexibility training (repetitive exercises). Was one type of exercise better than the other?
With an average age of 68, it was more challenging with varying genres and routines to remember the movements under pressure, but these extra struggles proved useful when balance and behavior improved; thus, strengthening the hippocampus and reversing signs of aging in the brain.
The hippocampus plays a key role in learning and memory, and is the area of the brain associated with causing dementia symptoms and impacting balance. In a recent published group study, half of all elderly volunteers were assigned an 18-month weekly course of dance routines (altered bi-monthly) and the other half were given endurance and flexibility training (repetitive exercises). Was one type of exercise better than the other?
With an average age of 68, it was more challenging with varying genres and routines to remember the movements under pressure, but these extra struggles proved useful when balance and behavior improved; thus, strengthening the hippocampus and reversing signs of aging in the brain.
What if my loved one is confined to a wheel chair? Well grab your dancing wheels and bring them to the closest community center. Therapies for those suffering from Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and other forms of dementia are becoming more popular in adult education course selections across the country! Of course dancing can be scary, especially when one does not feel comfortable with their physical abilities to perform as well as the next person, or when one’s physique itself is causing a mental obstruction to perform. Myself included, we all question our looks and abilities, but adding a cognitive delay on top of all those insecurities can feel stiffening, which is why removing fear and inserting music is the key.
We know music enhances our emotional health, and as discussed in previous blogs, the amygdala acts as chief officer of the limbic system (where we process emotions). This area of our brain remains untouched by various forms of dementia, so as long as we can respond emotionally as human beings, we can respond to music. If we can always respond to music, then there are physical ways to act out enhancing our experience through dance:
“Right now, we are evaluating a new system called “Jymmin” (jamming and gymnastics). This is a sensor-based system which generates sounds (melodies, rhythm) based on physical activity. We know that dementia patients react strongly when listening to music. We want to combine the promising aspects of physical activity and active music making in a feasibility study with dementia patients.” -Dr. Kathrin Rehfeld
(Source: “Dancing can reverse the signs of aging in the brain.” ScienceDaily, ScienceDaily, 25 August 2017. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/08/170825124902.htm)
Neat concept, and one that could improve our brain health while having fun!
As always, I invite you to contact me with questions, or with any requests for presentations on Music & Memory, Writing, Book Signings, or Book Club Events. Also, if you've been trying to purchase a book, please be patient as I am working with a new publisher for book 1 and book 2. Thank you for your support and see you in December!
#Alzheimers #Dancing #Music #BrainHealth #Dementia #PreventingDementia #NeuroHealth #Exercise #AntiAging #EndAlz #Parkinsons
We know music enhances our emotional health, and as discussed in previous blogs, the amygdala acts as chief officer of the limbic system (where we process emotions). This area of our brain remains untouched by various forms of dementia, so as long as we can respond emotionally as human beings, we can respond to music. If we can always respond to music, then there are physical ways to act out enhancing our experience through dance:
“Right now, we are evaluating a new system called “Jymmin” (jamming and gymnastics). This is a sensor-based system which generates sounds (melodies, rhythm) based on physical activity. We know that dementia patients react strongly when listening to music. We want to combine the promising aspects of physical activity and active music making in a feasibility study with dementia patients.” -Dr. Kathrin Rehfeld
(Source: “Dancing can reverse the signs of aging in the brain.” ScienceDaily, ScienceDaily, 25 August 2017. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/08/170825124902.htm)
Neat concept, and one that could improve our brain health while having fun!
As always, I invite you to contact me with questions, or with any requests for presentations on Music & Memory, Writing, Book Signings, or Book Club Events. Also, if you've been trying to purchase a book, please be patient as I am working with a new publisher for book 1 and book 2. Thank you for your support and see you in December!
#Alzheimers #Dancing #Music #BrainHealth #Dementia #PreventingDementia #NeuroHealth #Exercise #AntiAging #EndAlz #Parkinsons
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