Landmark Review on Exercise and Mental Health
A landmark review of the connection between mental health and exercise was recently published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ). The review compiled and analyzed data from hundreds of studies with tens of thousands of participants combined. Incredibly, the review concluded that exercise is just as effective for treating depression as antidepressant medication or SSRIs. Additionally, dance was found to be the exercise that was most effective for mitigating symptoms of depression. Though this review did not directly address Alzheimer's disease, it points to the ability of exercise to impact the brain and psychosocial health.
Dance: An Effective Practice for Alzheimer’s Prevention
Research suggests that one of the most effective actions for Alzheimer’s prevention an individual can take is to engage the brain in two different ways simultaneously. Dance is an activity that perfectly encapsulates this principle. The mind is involved in learning a particular set of choreographed moves, while the body must produce these movements.
Dance Increases Neural Activity
More specifically, dancing poses challenges to the brain in coordination, attention, memory, and cognition. Trying to remember dance movements or a dance routine has been shown to stimulate several brain areas at once. Research indicates that when neuron activity increases, new pathways are opened for thought, ideas, and continued brain development into older years.
Leisure Activities Reduce Risk of Dementia
According to an article from Harvard Medical School, brain imaging has shown that dance activates critical brain regions. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine of almost 500 people over 75 concluded that “participation in leisure activities is associated with a reduced risk of dementia.” While the study was small and far from comprehensive, researchers stated that “dancing was the only physical activity associated with a lower risk of dementia” among the various leisure activities that were studied. There is a substantial enough body of evidence suggesting that dance improves cognition. It’s exciting to consider that engaging in a lively and fun activity could actually be key to preventing cognitive decline.
Dancing can be a highly social activity. Whether one engages in a group Zumba session, ballroom dancing, or Saturday morning cardio dance, the social aspect of dance and its neuroprotective potential can’t be overlooked.
Memory Care Community in Southern California
MesaView Senior Assisted Living in La Mesa, California, is a memory care community in Southern California. We understand that our residents’ holistic life experience (social, spiritual, emotional, mental, physical) is vitally important. Research says one of the best things you can do to delay or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia is to keep your mind active. Our compassionate caregivers provide top-notch, individualized care to each of the members of our communities.
Memory care that takes a holistic approach engages a person physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Shaping our approach to memory care around this holistic concept allows us to meet our residents’ needs in a unique way that maximizes their health.
Providing an alternative to institutional care, MesaView’s beautiful rooms and inviting grounds evoke a homey feel while still having enough space to accommodate specialized equipment for mobile care services. Our caregivers and staff are familiar with the providers and organizations that offer mobile care services for the elderly. We collaborate with them to ensure your loved one is comfortable and comprehensively cared for.
Don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule a tour of MesaView today!
