Dancing Shown to Reverse Signs of Aging in Seniors Brains
A study recently conducted by the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Magdeburg, Germany has found that physical exercise, especially dancing, can reverse signs of aging in the brain of seniors, IFLScience.com reported.
The study consisted of two groups; a dancing group and a fitness group. The dancing group was taught different dance routines weekly and the fitness group focused on endurance and flexibility training over the course of 18 months. MRI scans were then performed on both groups. The hippocampus region of the brain had increased in size in both instances, but only the dancing group showed a significant increase in improved balance. Researchers believe this could be due to the fact the dancers were learning a new routine every week.
While the team acknowledges larger studies need to be conducted in this area, they currently plan on using this research to craft “new fitness programs to help prevents age-related decline in the brain.”
Read the full study in the journal Frontiers in Huamn Neuroscience.
