Can Dancing Prevent Dementia?

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Earlier studies have shown that exercise in general results in cognitive improvements and can even create structural changes in the brain. There is some evidence that dance in particular may improve cognitive health. But there hasn’t been enough research yet to conclusively determine whether dancing could help prevent dementia. The Albert Einstein College of Medicine study hopes to take a step toward that by comparing the cognitive effects of group dance classes with treadmill walking. Researchers suspect that group dancing might be particularly beneficial because it’s not only exercise, but also requires socializing and cognitive work.


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At Einstein, twice a week for six months a group of seniors comes to the dimly lighted auditorium, where a dance instructor guides them in a 90-minute class. They learn everything from the hustle and salsa to tango and the fox trot. A separate group comes in twice a week for 90 minutes of treadmill walking. The study, which started enrolling people in June, will include 32 seniors who are 65 and older, split into two groups. Researchers identified the participants as at risk of developing dementia based on a memory test and their own accounts of how well they remember things and perform certain tasks.

Testing done before, during and after the study measures their “executive function,” the cognitive processes needed to coordinate complex behaviors, such as planning and reasoning. Participants also receive MRI brain scans to look at any changes in the functional and structural connectivity in the brain.

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For the seniors in the Albert Einstein study, the fun is a big draw. Nancy Johnson, 72 years old, says she has no idea if dance can help memory, but the class “makes you feel good.” The seniors chat during breaks; when the music switches on they are all feet, hips and disco arms. They all practice shimmying their shoulders and hips as they dance to the Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive.” Later, they do a couple of salsa numbers.

Marlene Taffe, 83 years old, and Sonia Movsas, 84, partner up during a swing portion of the class. Ms. Movsas says her whole life she’s been bad at remembering names, but in this class she was able to remember everyone’s name right off the bat. “I guess if I really want to remember somebody’s name, I’ve gotta do a little dance,” she says with a laugh. Ms. Taffe says she has already noticed cognitive improvements in herself. “My children even notice it in me. I’m more focused,” she says. “I just enjoy life a little more. It’s good for the soul and the mind.”

https://www.wsj.com/articles/can-dancing-prevent-dementia-11566223731 (paid subscription)