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Dancing can reverse the signs of aging in the brain

  

Category:  Health, Science & Technology

Via:  perrie-halpern  •  5 years ago  •  51 comments

Dancing can reverse the signs of aging in the brain
As we grow older we suffer a decline in mental and physical fitness, which can be made worse by conditions like Alzheimer's disease. A new study, published in the open-access journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, shows that older people who routinely partake in physical exercise can reverse the signs of aging in the brain, and dancing has the most profound effect.

S E E D E D   C O N T E N T



As we grow older we suffer a decline in mental and physical fitness, which can be made worse by conditions like Alzheimer's disease. A new study, published in the open-access journal   Frontiers in Human Neuroscience , shows that older people who routinely partake in physical exercise can reverse the signs of aging in the brain, and dancing has the most profound effect.

"Exercise has the beneficial effect of slowing down or even counteracting   age-related decline   in mental and physical capacity," says Dr Kathrin Rehfeld, lead author of the study, based at the German center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Magdeburg, Germany. "In this study, we show that two different types of physical   exercise   (dancing and endurance training) both increase the area of the brain that declines with age. In comparison, it was only dancing that led to noticeable behavioral changes in terms of improved balance."

Elderly volunteers, with an average age of 68, were recruited to the study and assigned either an eighteen-month weekly course of learning dance routines, or endurance and flexibility training. Both groups showed an increase in the hippocampus region of the brain. This is important because this area can be prone to age-related   decline   and is affected by diseases like Alzheimer's. It also plays a key role in memory and learning, as well as keeping one's balance.

While previous research has shown that   physical exercise   can combat age-related brain decline, it is not known if one type of exercise can be better than another. To assess this, the exercise routines given to the volunteers differed. The traditional fitness training program conducted mainly repetitive exercises, such as cycling or Nordic walking, but the dance group were challenged with something new each week.

Dr Rehfeld explains, "We tried to provide our seniors in the dance group with constantly changing dance routines of different genres (Jazz, Square, Latin-American and Line Dance). Steps, arm-patterns, formations, speed and rhythms were changed every second week to keep them in a constant learning process. The most challenging aspect for them was to recall the routines under the pressure of time and without any cues from the instructor."

These extra challenges are thought to account for the noticeable difference in balance displayed by those participants in dancing group. Dr Rehfeld and her colleagues are building on this research to trial new fitness programs that have the potential of maximizing anti-aging effects on the brain.

"Right now, we are evaluating a new system called "Jymmin" (jamming and gymnastic). 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 Rehfeld concludes with advice that could get us up out of our seats and dancing to our favorite beat.

"I believe that everybody would like to live an independent and healthy life, for as long as possible. Physical activity is one of the lifestyle factors that can contribute to this, counteracting several risk factors and slowing down age-related decline. I think   dancing   is a powerful tool to set new challenges for body and mind, especially in older age."

This study falls into a broader collection of research investigating the   cognitive and neural effects of physical and cognitive activity across the lifespan .

More information:  Kathrin Rehfeld et al, Dancing or Fitness Sport? The Effects of Two Training Programs on Hippocampal Plasticity and Balance Abilities in Healthy Seniors,  Frontiers in Human Neuroscience  (2017).  DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2017.00305


Journal information:   Frontiers in Human Neuroscience  


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Perrie Halpern R.A.
Professor Expert
1  seeder  Perrie Halpern R.A.    5 years ago

All I can say is that we should all be doing this:

 
 
 
igknorantzrulz
PhD Quiet
1.1  igknorantzrulz  replied to  Perrie Halpern R.A. @1    5 years ago

not a dancer, though i do NJOY a Good Mosh Pit thrashing now and then, 

but, i'm not sure  concussions  the best mental health prescription, but i prescribe em n e way

 
 
 
CB
Professor Principal
1.2  CB  replied to  Perrie Halpern R.A. @1    5 years ago

That's my man _ Billie Idol! I am a strong fan! I wanted to do "White Wedding" but "Rebel Yell" is kicking my head in!

Billy Idol - Rebel Yell (Official Music Video)

Oh my, I am going to be 'wormed' by this all night!

 
 
 
CB
Professor Principal
1.2.1  CB  replied to  CB @1.2    5 years ago

Buzz! Here enjoy!

 
 
 
Ender
Professor Principal
1.3  Ender  replied to  Perrie Halpern R.A. @1    5 years ago

You do know what that song is about, don't you?

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
2  Buzz of the Orient    5 years ago

Doing what?  (That's a youtube.)

I can understand why dancing is superior to just walking, because you also have to think about what you're doing, and keep proper timing to the music.

My parents were great dancers - all the Latin American dances.  They won prizes, and as long as my father lived his mind was sharp as a tack.  As my mother survived him and no longer had him as a dance partner she did eventually become senile. 

 
 
 
Perrie Halpern R.A.
Professor Expert
2.1  seeder  Perrie Halpern R.A.  replied to  Buzz of the Orient @2    5 years ago

Here Buzz, just for you:

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
2.1.1  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  Perrie Halpern R.A. @2.1    5 years ago

Wow!  That was SOME video.  Thanks.

 
 
 
Krishna
Professor Expert
2.2  Krishna  replied to  Buzz of the Orient @2    5 years ago
I can understand why dancing is superior to just walking

Any kind of exercise has benefirts-- as long as you're moving.

But in addition to physical health (and slowing the aging process) there's research that shows there's a definite correlation between moving a lot and keeping your mind sharp.

 
 
 
Krishna
Professor Expert
3  Krishna    5 years ago

And-- its fun!

(Buzz: its Footloose 1984 Final Dance)

 
 
 
Krishna
Professor Expert
4  Krishna    5 years ago

(Saturday Night Fever -You Should Be D)

 
 
 
Krishna
Professor Expert
5  Krishna    5 years ago

Dirty Dancing  - Time pf My Life

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
5.1  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  Krishna @5    5 years ago

"I've Had The Time of My Life" - That's a really good one.

 
 
 
Krishna
Professor Expert
6  Krishna    5 years ago

 
 
 
Krishna
Professor Expert
7  Krishna    5 years ago

Maeva & William - Boogie Woogie 

 
 
 
Krishna
Professor Expert
8  Krishna    5 years ago

Rockabilly

(I've posted some of these videos before...)

 
 
 
Krishna
Professor Expert
9  Krishna    5 years ago

West Coast Swing - Yhe Incomparable Jason Colacino and katie Boyle

 
 
 
Krishna
Professor Expert
10  Krishna    5 years ago

Swing Time - Rogers and Astaire

 
 
 
Krishna
Professor Expert
10.1  Krishna  replied to  Krishna @10    5 years ago

Here's Swingtime but set to different music: Mick Muster Playing "Boogie Woogie Country Girl"

 
 
 
Krishna
Professor Expert
11  Krishna    5 years ago

Singing in the Rain - Gene Kelly

 
 
 
CB
Professor Principal
11.1  CB  replied to  Krishna @11    5 years ago

Thanks Krishna! What a clean production of this. I do not know what I love most, the 'big kid splashing' or the director's smart decision to drop the patrolman into the ending! This is 'life' and dance at its best. BRAVO! I feel as though I just spent a little time in Hollywood "heaven" all over again!

 
 
 
CB
Professor Principal
12  CB    5 years ago

I try to get through a B-52 song at least once a week: it is great for the heart muscle! Try it - see how far you get along. CAUTION: BUILD up slowly.

B52s Planet Claire FULL HQ Restored best version!!

This beat will drive up your front and down your back, your own body will 'unearth.'  WoW!

What the heck I can't leave it alone: A treat! If you can 'hang' out to the middle of this one - you will lose control. Wicked! Great cardio!

Rock Lobster

 
 
 
Krishna
Professor Expert
12.1  Krishna  replied to  CB @12    5 years ago

I still have tha B-52 Album! Here's Love Shack:

 
 
 
CB
Professor Principal
12.1.1  CB  replied to  Krishna @12.1    5 years ago

Bang! Bang! Baby that's where its at! The Love Shack.

 
 
 
CB
Professor Principal
12.2  CB  replied to  CB @12    5 years ago

Buzz! Enjoy: ROCK LOBSTER

Buzz! I can't find PLANET CLAIRE there. But this is a 'goody' - PRIVATE IDAHO   - Good cardio!

 
 
 
Krishna
Professor Expert
12.2.1  Krishna  replied to  CB @12.2    5 years ago

One thing I'll always remember from that album was the phrase:

You're living in your own private Idaho!

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
12.2.2  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  CB @12.2    5 years ago

I watched Planet Claire on Bilibili.  Rock Lobster is pretty entertaining - one heck of an editing job.  Have to tell you, though, B 52 is not really my kind of music.

 
 
 
CB
Professor Principal
12.2.3  CB  replied to  Buzz of the Orient @12.2.2    5 years ago

That's okay! I love it from 'way back then.' However, it is a way now to get the blood going as my mind lights up and all my 'burners' turn on! The changes of tempo give a great workout!

Also, there is plenty music to go around. As I am sure you know! (Smile.)

 
 
 
Krishna
Professor Expert
13  Krishna    5 years ago

Ottawan  was a pop music duo, who had the hit singles " D.I.S.C.O. " and " Hands Up (Give Me Your Heart) " in the early 1980s. " Hands Up (Give Me Your Heart) " is a 1981 song by  Ottawan . It was the band's second-biggest international hit single, after their 1979 hit " D.I.S.C.O. ".

The French version ("Haut Les Mains") was the unofficial theme song of The Club meds in the western hemisphere for a few years.

Several times a day guests would go to the beach (or the pool) and sing it in French) with the hand gestures, Sometime it happened spontaneously after meals..or . . . "whenever".

 
 
 
Krishna
Professor Expert
13.1  Krishna  replied to  Krishna @13    5 years ago

"Hands Up" really captured the spirit of the Club Meds-- some nonsense-- and a lot of wild freewheeling fun!:

Hands up

Turn on some blaring music
Everyone put your hands up and get your drinks up
Go crazy with the whole world
Everyone put your hands up and get your drinks up
 
Now put your hands up
put your hands up put put put put put
put your hands up put your hands up
put put put put put put your hands up
put your hands up put put put put put
put your hands up put your hands up
put put put put put
 
Raise the volume until the speakers burst
and all together go crazy until you lose your minds
until you lose your minds, until you lose your minds
Shake your whole body and lose your minds
 
Together all night,
all the people who agree with me manse,
until the end of tonight keep running
Giddy up! Giddy up! You know what I’m sayin’
this is an energy restoring tonic you hear with your ears
The catalyst that explodes the party,
dancing all night under the lights,they go together exactly, aren't I right
 
Turn on some blaring music
Everyone put your hands up and get your drinks up
Go crazy with the whole world
Everyone put your hands up and get your drinks up
 
Now put your hands up
put your hands up put put put put put
put your hands up put your hands up
put put put put put put your hands up
put your hands up put put put put put
put your hands up put your hands up
put put put put put
 
Here we go here we go constantly running and
Right now it’s barely midnight, the sunrise is still far away
So lets have one more glass and start again
 
Before the sun rises
absolutely do not cut off the music,
DJ take care of tonight
“Oppa I can trust you OK?”
Yes Sir, I won’t say
I’m leaving first
Lets all have another glass together.
One shot. Everyone lets go.
 
Turn on some blaring music
Everyone put your hands up and get your drinks up
Go crazy with the whole world
Everyone put your hands up and get your drinks up
 
Now put your hands up
put your hands up put put put put put
put your hands up put your hands up
put put put put put put your hands up
put your hands up put put put put put
put your hands up put your hands up
put put put put put
 
Don’t stop Tonight
empty all thoughts
and all have fun together
Oh
 
Now put your hands up
put your hands up put put put put put
put your hands up put your hands up
put put put put put put your hands up
put your hands up put put put put put
put your hands up put your hands up
put put put put put
 
Put your hands up

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
13.1.1  Buzz of the Orient  replied to  Krishna @13.1    5 years ago

Simon didn't say to put your hands up.

 
 
 
CB
Professor Principal
14  CB    5 years ago

Oingo Boingo - On the Outside

Nothing bad ever happens to me - Oingo Boingo

 
 
 
Krishna
Professor Expert
15  Krishna    5 years ago

Psy - Gangnam Style

(For quite a while this video was #1 for number of views on YouTube.

 
 
 
Krishna
Professor Expert
15.1  Krishna  replied to  Krishna @15    5 years ago

Gangnam Style was probably the first K-Pop dance video most Americans saw. But it wasn't typical-- usually these are girl groups or boy groups,

Here's ,more K-PoP:

Girl Generation "Gee"

 
 
 
Krishna
Professor Expert
15.1.1  Krishna  replied to  Krishna @15.1    5 years ago

One more K-Pop-- this one tells a story, jealousy and revenge!.(I liked the texting they do-- its in Korean!):

AOA Cream, Jelly Baby:

 
 
 
Krishna
Professor Expert
16  Krishna    5 years ago

Flashdance - Final Dance ("What a Feelin")

 
 
 
Buzz of the Orient
Professor Expert
17  Buzz of the Orient    5 years ago

The Twist  (performed by Chubby Checker)

Dance Me to the End of Love  (Leonard Cohen)

The Anniversary Waltz  (sung by Al Jolson)

 
 
 
JohnRussell
Professor Principal
18  JohnRussell    5 years ago

This has got to be the greatest dance song in recent years

Shut Up And Dance  - Walk The Moon

 
 
 
JohnRussell
Professor Principal
19  JohnRussell    5 years ago

Hit Hot Hot - Buster Poindexter

 
 
 
JohnRussell
Professor Principal
20  JohnRussell    5 years ago

Conga - Gloria Estafan and The Miami Sound Machine

 
 
 
JohnRussell
Professor Principal
21  JohnRussell    5 years ago

All Night Long - Lionel Ritchie

 
 
 
Kavika
Professor Principal
22  Kavika     5 years ago

Natives are great dancers. We are taught from an early age to dance and as an expression of our culture. 

There are many dances, the Fancy Dance, Jingle Dance, Smoke Dance, Shawl Dance, Grass Dance.

Indians of all ages ''keep on dancing''...It's what we are. 

This is a world class ''Jingle Dance'' competition.

A world class ''Fancy Dance''.....The regalia is as important as the dance itself. 

 
 
 
1stwarrior
Professor Participates
22.1  1stwarrior  replied to  Kavika @22    5 years ago

If you can't feel the heartbeat of Mother Nature - you're missing something in yourself.

 
 
 
Kavika
Professor Principal
23  Kavika     5 years ago

 
 
 
JohnRussell
Professor Principal
24  JohnRussell    5 years ago

Generations of white people have line danced to this one

Electric Boogie (aka Electric Slide) - Marcia Griffiths

 
 
 
JohnRussell
Professor Principal
24.1  JohnRussell  replied to  JohnRussell @24    5 years ago

 
 
 
CB
Professor Principal
24.1.1  CB  replied to  JohnRussell @24.1    5 years ago

I love this one! This is good.

 
 
 
Freefaller
Professor Quiet
25  Freefaller    5 years ago

Dancing can reverse the signs of aging in the brain

Hmmm have an aging brain or look like a wounded flailing duck.  Tough choice

 
 
 
katrix
Sophomore Participates
25.1  katrix  replied to  Freefaller @25    5 years ago

I saw a great sign in a little shop. It said:

I danced as if no one was watching. But someone WAS watching, thought I was having a seizure, and called 911.
 
 
 
Ender
Professor Principal
26  Ender    5 years ago

Ok people. All of this dancing and no Queen(s)...

 
 

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