Are you fond of dancing? Here's some good news. According to a latest study, dancing regularly to your favourite beats and any other form of physical activity may help reverse the signs of ageing in the brain as well as delay the signs of age-related diseases like Alzheimer's.
While several previous studies have pointed out the positive effect that physical activities and excercises have on counteracting age-related decline in mental and cognitive abilities, a new study has revealed the positive anti-ageing effects of dancing on the brain in the elderly. According to the study published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, dancing also helps increase balance as well as improve sensorimotor, visual and vestibular information -- the three involved sensory systems.
This balance plays a crucial role in everyday function. If the balance is not in place, it often leads to major health risk factor with consequences both on brain and even on the life span. The team recruited elderly volunteers, with an average age of 68, who were then given either an eighteen-month weekly course of learning dance routines or endurance and flexibility training, for the study. While the group with traditional fitness training programme performed mainly repetitive exercises such as cycling or Nordic walking in the course of the study, the dance group learnt different genres such as Jazz, Square, Latin-American and Line Dance
As per the findings both the groups demonstrated an increase in the hippocampus -- region of the brain prone to age-related decline , often paving way for diseases like Alzheimer's, however dancing led to a greater noticeable behavioural changes in terms of improved balance. So dance as if no one's watching. While prepare to sign up for the dance form you've been wanting have a look at some memory boosting foods that are good for your brain and can help too.
1.Nuts and Seeds: Ever wondered why your grandmother or mother would ask us to load up on nuts and dry fruits as kids? It is because the help in boosting your memory power. Pumpkin seeds are loaded with zinc that play a great role in sharpening your memory. Brain-shaped walnuts are a good source of omega-3 and other essential nutrients crucial for brain functioning and memory skills. Sunflower seeds and peanuts are also good sources of Vitamin E, improving your memory and brain health to a good degree.
2.Whole Grains: Whole grains are considered to be the powerhouses of energy and help you focus better. The energy released in the body after consuming fibre-rich foods, (in the form of sugar), assists the brain in functioning properly and keeping us alert.
3.Ashwagandha: The wonder herb of Ayurveda is known for promoting memory since it helps prevent nerve cell damage. Dr. Ashutosh Gautam, Clinical Operations and Coordination Manager at Baidyanath says, "Ashwagandha can be taken in the form of powder or tablet. It improves the brain's memory functions like attention and concentration, hence helping with the symptoms of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's"4.Fish Oil: Fish oil, has long been associated with boosting the growth of neurons and lowering the risk of dementia. Fish oil contains DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid which helps boost your memory power. Include salmon, mackerel, tuna and other fish in your diet, for best results.
5.Avocados: Enriched with Vitamin E, avocados are loaded with antioxidants which help in keeping the brain healthy and alert. Creamy avocados are also associated with lowering the risk of Alzheimer's.
While several previous studies have pointed out the positive effect that physical activities and excercises have on counteracting age-related decline in mental and cognitive abilities, a new study has revealed the positive anti-ageing effects of dancing on the brain in the elderly. According to the study published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, dancing also helps increase balance as well as improve sensorimotor, visual and vestibular information -- the three involved sensory systems.
This balance plays a crucial role in everyday function. If the balance is not in place, it often leads to major health risk factor with consequences both on brain and even on the life span. The team recruited elderly volunteers, with an average age of 68, who were then given either an eighteen-month weekly course of learning dance routines or endurance and flexibility training, for the study. While the group with traditional fitness training programme performed mainly repetitive exercises such as cycling or Nordic walking in the course of the study, the dance group learnt different genres such as Jazz, Square, Latin-American and Line Dance
As per the findings both the groups demonstrated an increase in the hippocampus -- region of the brain prone to age-related decline , often paving way for diseases like Alzheimer's, however dancing led to a greater noticeable behavioural changes in terms of improved balance. So dance as if no one's watching. While prepare to sign up for the dance form you've been wanting have a look at some memory boosting foods that are good for your brain and can help too.
1.Nuts and Seeds: Ever wondered why your grandmother or mother would ask us to load up on nuts and dry fruits as kids? It is because the help in boosting your memory power. Pumpkin seeds are loaded with zinc that play a great role in sharpening your memory. Brain-shaped walnuts are a good source of omega-3 and other essential nutrients crucial for brain functioning and memory skills. Sunflower seeds and peanuts are also good sources of Vitamin E, improving your memory and brain health to a good degree.
2.Whole Grains: Whole grains are considered to be the powerhouses of energy and help you focus better. The energy released in the body after consuming fibre-rich foods, (in the form of sugar), assists the brain in functioning properly and keeping us alert.
3.Ashwagandha: The wonder herb of Ayurveda is known for promoting memory since it helps prevent nerve cell damage. Dr. Ashutosh Gautam, Clinical Operations and Coordination Manager at Baidyanath says, "Ashwagandha can be taken in the form of powder or tablet. It improves the brain's memory functions like attention and concentration, hence helping with the symptoms of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's"
5.Avocados: Enriched with Vitamin E, avocados are loaded with antioxidants which help in keeping the brain healthy and alert. Creamy avocados are also associated with lowering the risk of Alzheimer's.
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