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Start Now: Your older self will thank you |
ADD A LITTLE SALSA—Guest Blog--By Matt DeMargel--November is
Alzheimer’s Awareness month, and here’s how one sector of seniors are fighting
off this vicious disease. Boomers and
beyond throughout the country are lacing up their dancing shoes to take part in
the one physical activity researchers found to combat dementia -- ballroom dancing!
Currently,
an estimated 5.2 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, and this year
alone, more than 500,000 Americans will die from a form of Alzheimer’s. Now the
sixth leading cause of death in the United States, Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia will kill 1
in 3 seniors.
There
is good news. Frequent participation in ballroom dancing led to a 76 percent
risk reduction in dementia according to a recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Whether
it’s Tango, Tap, Swing or Salsa, research shows astonishing risk reduction of
dementia through ballroom dance.
Ellenor
Shepherd, 83, has been gliding across the ballroom floor for 16 years at her
local Fred Astaire Dance Studio. Ellenor says ballroom dancing plays a big role
in her plan to stay mentally fit.
“I
keep up with all the research and want to make sure I’m doing everything I can
to fight off dementia,” Ellenor said, “I have no doubt that my mind and memory
stays sharp because I practice ballroom dancing regularly. It’s good exercise
for my mind and my body.”
Not
only that, but the AARP reports people with Alzheimer's disease are able to
recall forgotten memories when they dance to music they used to know.
“Ballroom
dancing offers both mental and physical stimulation because you’re moving to
the music while trying to learn and recall the steps,” says Jack Rothweiler, head
of Fred Astaire Dance Studios. “Along with the social benefits that come with
dancing, it’s the perfect activity for seniors looking to keep their minds and
body fit in a fun and healthy way.”
How Dance Helps
Reduce Risk of Dementia
Dancing
helps seniors build up what scientists refer to as “brain reserve” that may
protect people from Alzheimer’s later in life.
Brain boosting dance activities include:
--remembering
the steps
--moving
in precise time to the music
--adapting
to the movements of one's partner
● Brazilian researchers found a 50
percent improvement in balance and fewer falls among seniors who participated
in a half hour of ballroom dancing three days a week for three months. (Federal
University of Rio de Janeiro State in Rio de Janeiro)
● Dancing boosts bone density, along with
muscle strength and coordination. (American Council on Exercise)
● The side-to-side motions of many
ballroom dances, such as mambo and swing, strengthen the tibia, fibula, and
femur, and also help in the prevention or slow loss of bone mass associated
with osteoporosis. (Journal of Aging and Physical Activity)
● Tango dancing helps older adults with
balance. (Journal of Aging and Physical Activity)
● Social dancing is a great way to keep
older Americans engaged. Aside from giving people something to enjoy, it
reduces social isolation and the aches and pains frequently experienced in old
age. (Dr. Jonathan Skinner, Queens University of Belfast, Ireland)
Terrible truths
about Alzheimer’s and dementia**
● More than 5 million Americans are
living with the disease.
● Every 67 seconds someone in the United
States develops Alzheimer's.
● Alzheimer's disease is the sixth
leading cause of death in the United States.
● Approximately ½ a million Americans die
each year from Alzheimer’s.
● 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer's or
another form of dementia.
● In 2013, 15.5 million caregivers
provided an estimated 17.7 billion hours of unpaid care valued at more than
$220 billion.
● Alzheimer's disease is the most
expensive condition in the nation! In 2014, the direct costs to American
society of caring for those with Alzheimer's will total an estimated $214
billion, including $150 billion in costs to Medicare and Medicaid.
Data Source: **Alzheimer’s
Association
San Diego: Here’s
one place to start
Fred
Astaire Dance Studios (since 1947) has ballroom and Latin style dance lessons
for all ages and abilities in a fun, friendly atmosphere. Professional
instruction will allow you to learn dances from the Foxtrot to Salsa faster and
more easily than you could on your own.
8303 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, Suite 205
San
Diego, CA 92111
(858)
499-0180
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