Showing off your sharp moves on the dance floor can help keep your mind sharp, too.
If anyone should know it’s Dr. Baibing Chen, a neurologist who once worked as a professional backup dancer — and says he still makes sure to bust a move on the regular. reduce his risk of dementia,
Dr. Chen – Who Goes Dr. Bing on Instagram – Broke down the things he always does for brain health He or she is less likely to develop dementia,
He said, “I danced a lot every day to practice for competitions and performances and even worked as a professional backup dancer for a while.” “These days, I mostly dance with my daughter and we just do freestyle.
“But here’s why dancing is one of the best, if not the best activity you can do for your brain health. Studies have shown that dancing increases neuroplasticity and may even reverse brain aging.
“This is because dance requires coordination, rhythm, creativity, spatial awareness and memory, which stimulates many areas of the brain.
“Dancing also releases endorphins and lowers cortisol levels, which reduces stress and promotes overall mental health.”
People who think they can’t dance shouldn’t worry: Dr. Bing said it’s actually even better for people without rhythm because it “challenges your brain and your body even more.” Is.”
There is also science to support this. In 2003, researchers Albert Einstein College of Medicine Studied how different types of leisure activities affect the risk of dementia in the elderly.
While reading, playing board games and playing musical instruments reduced the risk, playing tennis or golf, swimming and cycling did not reduce the risk. In fact, they wrote, “dancing was the only physical activity associated with a reduced risk of dementia.”
according to harvard healthAnother study in 2012 found that Zumba improved mood cognitive skills such as visual recognition and decision making.
Cutting rugs can also help people who are already struggling with dementia. Another report published in 2019 determined that dance therapy had a positive effect on “physical and cognitive function, functionality, psychological outcomes, and quality of life in people with Alzheimer’s disease.”
