Got Dancing on the Brain? If Not, You Should — for the Health of It!

Physical and intellectual activities can have a significant impact on our bodies as we age. That’s a given. A sedentary person may be great with TV trivia but that knowledge, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, may not keep dementia at bay.

Albert Einstein College of Medicine researchers confirm that “dance can decidedly improve brain health.” In fact, according to a study they conducted — looking at 11 various physical activities including golf, tennis, swimming and biking — there is only one activity that causes a significant positive impact on brain health: DANCING!

The study concluded that dancing can actually hold off signs of dementia as people age.

“Dancing involves both a mental effort and social interaction and that this type of stimulation helped reduce the risk of dementia,” researchers said.

Additionally, there was a small study completed at Minot State University in North Dakota. Results of that study revealed that Latin-style dances help to improve cognitive skills and mood. This helps with recognizing visual cues and assists in the decision-making process. In other words, better brain health!

It’s widely known in the medical community — and at Arthur Murray dance centers! — that dancing also increases serotonin, the body’s feel-good hormone, and reduces stress. These are very important for keeping the brain healthy and warding off dementia.

Looking to improve your long-term memory? We invite you to learn how much fun and beneficial ballroom dancing can be for you. Join us for a free dance lesson today. There’s a world of fun out here on the dance floor waiting for you!