Exciting new research from the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences in Leipzig, Germany has discovered that dancing can reverse signs of aging in the brain. 

It appears to improve not only memory recall and learning ability, but even improve your balance. Seniors who spend time weekly learning new dance moves show significantly less aging in their brains. Compared to traditional fitness programs like treadmill and weight training, dance showed the most profound effects on the aging brain. 

The participants of the study were presented with a new dance routine once a week. Steps, arm patterns, formation, speed and rhythms were changed every second week to keep the participants constantly learning. The most challenging part was to have them recall the routines under the pressure of time without any cues from the instructor. These extra challenges account for the noticeable improvement in balance.

Dance routines of different genres have the same effects, including Latin, Jazz, Square and Line dance. Elderly subjects who volunteered for the study showed improvement in balance, and the research also found that dance has a profound  ability to decrease stress, anxiety and depression.

Learning different types of dance moves grows new neurons in the hippocampus, the area of the brain which decreases in size the fastest as we age, and that is most affected by Alzheimer's disease. The hippocampus also plays a role in keeping your balance, so keeping this area of the brain active helps to decrease the risk of falls and fractures, thus increasing life span.

Researchers are hoping to develop new dance moves that will be more effective in decreasing the effects of aging on the body and brain, especially a technique called Jymmin (a word derived from the combination of jamming and gym) which is a sensor-based system that generates sound based on physical activity, combining both physical activity and music. The theory is that your brain responds differently when your body movement matches the sound rather than when you just hear the sound of the music. This sound/movement combination has also been found to be effective for patients suffering from dementia, depression, anxiety and imbalance issues. 

"Where can I get some of this health-giving dance in Prescott?"

For local dance opportunities in both partner and improvisational dance, try Flying Nest Movement Arts with Delisa Myles and Earl Duque. Check them out at  http://www.flyingneststudio.com. They are now offering their classes at Elks Theatre Performing Arts Center. 

In addition to the scientific evidence that shows dance is an activity that reverses aging in the brain, it's also a joyful and artful avenue toward community connection.  In our world of increasingly virtual communication, the healing power of touch, eye contact and hearing and responding to the same music together cannot be overemphasized.

Dr. Susan Godman