Dance Away the Brain Age
A new study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience open-access journal has found that dance improves memory retention and enhanced other anti-aging neurological effects more than endurance training does.
It has long been known that exercise in the older population can go a long way not just in regards to physical health, but mental health as well. Its beneficial effect on the hippocampus, a region that has direct control of learning, balance and memory retention, is essential when attempting to maintain an active and independent lifestyle. A recent study conducted and published in the Frontiers in Human Neuroscience journal studied the difference in the effects of endurance exercise on the hippocampus in an older population. Elderly volunteers with an average age of 68 years old were assigned to one of two groups over an 18-month time-span. The first group was assigned to dancing lessons, while the other group was assigned to endurance and flexibility training.
When the groups were finished with their assigned programs at the end of the 18-month time-span, they found that both activities improved hippocampus productivity, however, only dancing produced a significant difference in behavior. The reason for this difference is most likely due to the various dance routines that the couples had to complete, whereas the endurance group only completed exercises on an elliptical or treadmill. This difference in routines for dancing most likely increase memory retention, balance, and recall, making the hippocampus work more than the endurance group. While more research is warranted to confirm the difference in this area, the data presented is very promising.
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