The unlikely “exercise” that fights dementia

Dr. Fred Pescatore believes there are two easy ways to fight dementia and cognitive decline:

  1. Exercise your body
  2. Exercise your mind

And there’s one simple (and fun) activity that combines both of them: dancing.

Dr. Pescatore explains the link between dancing and cognitive health in his Ultimate Anti-Aging Protocol.

He notes that even though dance is physical, most people wouldn’t necessarily think of it as an exercise regimen—and they’re even less likely to think of it as an exercise for your brain.

But he cites a recent study where results show dance lessons may be one of the most effective exercises for reversing cognitive decline.

Scientists in Germany compared the cognitive benefits of an 18-month dance training program to a more traditional exercise program. Volunteers were healthy seniors between 63 and 80 years old.

The scientists focused on the size of each participant’s hippocampus. The hippocampus plays a major role in processing and storing information from both short-term and long-term memory.

What’s more, this part of your brain is also essential for spatial memory (which helps you navigate around your home and neighborhood) and even figures in your emotional stability.

Dr. Pescatore elaborates: “Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s negatively impact the hippocampus. But even normal aging can trigger hippocampal changes, resulting in memory loss, slower learning abilities, and reduced spatial awareness.”

Most notably, he adds, your hippocampus is a “hotbed of neuroplasticity.” Neuroplasticity is your brain’s ability to form new neural connections throughout your life.

Study results showed that both traditional exercise and dance increased hippocampal volume. But volunteers in the dance group enjoyed an additional advantage: improvement in neuroplasticity.

Also, unlike those in the traditional exercise group, the dancers developed significant balance improvements. And as Dr. Pescatore points out, that’s a pretty major advantage when you consider that falls can severely impact your independence and quality of life as you grow older.

Dancing puts your mind in a constant state of learning

It might seem surprising that something as simple as dance lessons would produce such positive results, but in Dr. Pescatore’s view it makes perfect sense.

After all, he points out, dancing requires sensory input from multiple parts of your brain, and it engages your whole body in the process.

“In any form of exercise,” he adds, “switching things up is always going to yield better benefits. And dancing involves constantly changing choreography (which you have to memorize), moves that challenge your balance, and multiple different patterns of movements.

“This essentially puts your mind and body in a constant state of ‘learning’—which might explain why dancing fosters neuroplasticity better than traditional repetitive training activities.”

And dancing also has a social aspect too, unlike working out, which is usually more of a solo endeavor. Engaging in any social activity when you’re older is linked to better cognitive health.

Dr. Pescatore stresses that if you enjoy working out, don’t ditch your gym membership. Whatever form of exercise you choose, it’s bound to improve your physical, cognitive, and emotional health.

But if the idea of cutting the rug in a ballroom class appeals, by all means, do your body and brain a favor and go for it.

You’ll find many more proven techniques for “aging younger” in Dr. Pescatore’s Ultimate Anti-Aging Protocol. Click here to learn more about this roadmap to healthy longevity.