Did you know that dancing can increase cognitive acuity at any age? One study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that dancing may ward off Alzheimer’s disease and dementia based on the “use it or lose it” theory. Dancing takes advantage of our brain’s neuroplasticity and areas that require the brain to rewire themselves based on use. If these areas not being used, they may die off as people age. Dancing requires you to remember moves, routines and make rapid-fire decisions — such as following a lead or changing moves quickly based on the music. All of this may keep the brain active, forcing it to forge new pathways and making you less likely to forget new information.
