Bust a move.
Whether you tear up the dance floor or have moves like Elaine from “Seinfeld”, dancing can bring about more than just joy.
New research shows the social activity can even protect against four diseases, one of which the number of cases is predicted to skyrocket in the coming years.
Next time you’re at a wedding or the club, don’t be afraid to show off your moves.
They could help reduce the risk of dementia, provide therapeutic benefits for Parkinson’s and rheumatoid arthritis and improve mental health.
Dementia
With dementia cases expected to double by 2060 and no known cure, this degenerative disease affects memory, communication and problem-solving skills.
And while certain lifestyle habits can prevent progress, it’s not just doing puzzles, listening to music or reading a book that will lower the risk.
Rather, it’s cutting a rug.
Among physical activities, researchers found that people who danced more than once a week had a lower risk of developing dementia than those who danced less often — up to 76% lower, in fact.
The idea is that dancing challenges your brain in multiple ways, such as keeping rhythm, responding to your partner’s cues, remembering steps or even making up new ones.
Further research also points to it being exercise, social connectedness, balance and creativity in one that improves motor function, well-being and cognition.
Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s disease — which causes tremors, slow movement and depression — affects an estimated 1 million Americans, a number that’s expected to rise by 20% in the next few years.
But dancing could provide relief for more than just movement.
While not a solo cure, the accessible and low-cost activity could be beneficial when combined with the standard clinical treatment.
Early research suggests it could help with mild to moderate cases, with participants reporting improvements in mobility, balance and posture as well as improved mood and confidence.
And while there’s no cure for Parkinson’s, social activities like dance or even ping pong could help manage symptoms.
Rheumatoid arthritis
An autoimmune disease in which the body mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, rheumatoid arthritis can cause painful swelling and stiffness.
Despite these symptoms, though, exercise focused on dance could reduce them and provide relief.
One study that looked at 43 participants of a dance-based aerobic exercise program found that pain and swelling decreased significantly.
Participants also noted improvements in lower body function, fatigue, mood and general health after completing up to 30 minutes of movement.
Depression
Often a symptom of conditions like Parkinson’s and dementia, depression can also happen on its own.
But several studies have found that different types of dance improved the mental health of adults and also improved cognitive function.
From Turkish folk dance to aerobic dancing, a variety of kinds were tested, with Chinese square dancing showing the most improvements in older adults who got out on the floor.
