If you like to dance, here is some great news: it may help your brain.
A new suggests that Latin dance classes may be more than a great workout and social outlet: they could help your brain. The research indicates that learning the intricate steps of salsa, samba, and merengue may also improve memory.
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The study offered Latin dance classes to more than 300 Spanish-speaking adults over four years at 12 different sites in Chicago. After eight months of classes, assessments found significant improvements in participants’ working memory scores.
Working memory is a type of short-term memory used to keep small amounts of information in mind while performing other cognitive tasks.
There are several potential explanations for the dance’s effect. It could be related to increased activity or the components of the class itself. Dancing can be an appealing activity that people want to continue doing.
Finding an activity that is enjoyable is central to sticking with it. Dancing, in particular, has several factors that are good for brain health. It features social interaction, movement, and music, which may be independently linked to improved cognition.
Study participants were assigned either to weekly dance sessions twice for eight months or a control group, which has weekly health education sessions for four months.
A professional instructor led the dancers for the first four months, then during a “maintenance phase,” they were led by participants assigned as “program champions” for their leadership skills and enthusiasm.
The study noted no differences in the groups in cognitive tests at the first four months, but after eight months, people in the dance group had better scores.
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Salsa, samba, and merengue require dancers to learn several steps and recall them in the following weeks, assembling them into sequences. The process of recalling the steps may target different aspects of memory.
Aside from the benefits to memory, participants reported feeling better overall. They made friends and said they were better able to manage chronic issues like high blood pressure and diabetes.
If you’ve wanted to learn to dance, this could be the final push you need. Look for classes in your area, and your brain and body may benefit.
About eight years ago, Mat Lecompte had an epiphany. He’d been ignoring his health and suddenly realized he needed to do something about it. Since then, through hard work, determination and plenty of education, he has transformed his life. He’s changed his body composition by learning the ins and outs of nutrition, exercise, and fitness and wants to share his knowledge with you. Starting as a journalist over 10 years ago, Mat has not only honed his belief system and approach with practical experience, but he has also worked closely with nutritionists, dieticians, athletes, and fitness professionals. He embraces natural healing methods and believes that diet, exercise and willpower are the foundation of a healthy, happy, and drug-free existence.
