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June 22, 2011 By Natalie Engelbart

Dancing Circles Around Dementia

Dementia is loss of brain function that affects memory, thinking, language, judgment, and behavior. No one wants to lose their faculties, and few things are more horrific than seeing your loved ones go through this hell.

There are specific things you can do to decrease your risk factors for developing dementia:

  • Control your weight;
  • Control your blood pressure — not too high OR too low;
  • Decrease your intake of sugar, gluten, and other inflammatory foods;
  • Eat your fruits and veggies;
  • Eat plenty of good fats;
  • Supplement with resveratrol, astaxanthin, EPA/DHA and other high-quality brain protectors;
  • Socialize with others;
  • Keep your brain active, learning, and challenged;
  • Exercise.

These are all important to do habitually. But there is one specific activity that has been proven to not only help prevent the onset of dementia, but to also REVERSE dementia in a person who has already developed it.

DANCING.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that adults who danced frequently had a significantly decreased risk (76%) of developing dementia. This is amazing of and by itself. But the study also showed that DANCING WAS THE ONLY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY THAT REDUCED DEMENTIA compared with those who participated in other activities such as golf, tennis, swimming, bicycling, walking, and housework (some would say that last one actually causes dementia!).

Dancing has been shown in numerous studies to have other benefits too, such as improving balance, coordination, and physical conditioning, as well as increasing socialization.

Dancing uses complex areas of our brain, including the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, basal ganglia, and cerebellum. When we do activities that are novel and challenging, these areas of the brain can rewire and become stronger. This is the principal of NEUROPLASTICITY (see my blog post entitled, “Did You Know Your Brain Is Plastic?” Researchers think that the increase in neural synapses achieved during dancing are what reverse the signs of dementia.

So put on your dancing shoes, turn on some music, invite your friends, and dance the night away! You’ll remember those moments — and others — long into the future.

Filed Under: Brain Health, Healthy Tips & Habits

About Dr. Natalie J. Engelbart

Dr. Natalie J. Engelbart

Dr. Engelbart is passionate about finding solutions to your hormone and health problems–not only WHAT is wrong, but also WHY, and what can be done to help you reach your peak health.

Dr. Engelbart holds several advanced and accredited multidisciplinary degrees. She is a Doctor of Chiropractic with a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology, multiple Board Certifications in Neurology, and three multi-disciplinary Fellowships in Functional Medicine through the American College of Functional Neurology.

After being in private practice in the Dallas, TX area for 15 years and training multiple doctors in her specialty, she and her family moved to Boulder, Colorado in 2012. Dr. Engelbart has studied and trained in Amsterdam, Paris, Norway and throughout the United States. She loves learning and continually strives to stay up-to-date with the latest research and clinical applications.

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Dr. Engelbart is able to help patients all over the United Sates! Visit Dr. Engelbart at South Boulder Healing & Chiropractic Services in beautiful Boulder, Colorado, or CONTACT US to set up a phone, Skype or FaceTime Consultation.

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