From: Dr. C.B. Kim
Columbus
Recently I have witnessed Alzheimer’s disease (the most common form of dementia) among my friends and relatives. With that in mind, I thought the recent study relating line dancing to protecting from the impact of dementia would be worth spotlighting to our community. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates more than 5 million Americans aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s disease; that number is expected to reach almost 14 million by 2060.
A study by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine published in the New England Journal of Medicine surprisingly revealed that the only physical activity that offers protection against dementia is frequent line dancing with a 76% reduced risk among participants. Doing crossword puzzles reduced risk 47%, reading 35%, and golf, swimming, and bicycling showed no risk reduction.
According to health experts, line dancing enhances the body’s cognitive and motor functions. The health benefits would be more so for the elderly as they are most often affected by neurological illnesses. Line dancing is a low-impact exercise for seniors to improve strength and muscle tone, increase balance and coordination as well as improve cardiovascular health and brain memory.
The cognitive benefits have to do with our neuronal synapses. Our brain constantly rewires its neural pathways as needed. If it doesn’t need to, it won’t. This is a “use it or lose it” thing. Line dancing stimulates our brains to concentrate as we try to memorize what steps to do while listening to the music. Weight bearing exercise is effective for bone health and osteoporosis. Line dancing’s benefit by moving in different directions at different speeds is well documented by the Royal Osteoporosis Society.
The emotional benefits can’t be underestimated. There is nothing like making good social interactions, developing great and lasting friendships while dancing. Dancing is known to release endorphins, which are chemicals (hormones) in the brain that make you feel good and happy. I started line dancing as a birthday resolution and joined the Mill Race Center two years ago. Not only did I learn over 180 dances but also enjoy a warm camaraderie with other dancers.
Mill Race Center offers two classes for line dancing, one on Wednesdays for beginners and another on Fridays for intermediates. New members are always welcome. So start line dancing today! Stay clear-minded, active, healthy and have fun!
