Dancing improves memory, attention and emotional state, especially in older people

Regular dancing can improve memory and attention, and also have a positive effect on your emotional state. The most convincing data have been obtained for older people, including those with cognitive impairment. This conclusion was reached by scientists whose work was published in Frontiers in Psychology (FP).

The researchers analyzed 22 studies involving 1,645 people aged four to 94 years. They assessed the impact of various dance classes on brain function and psychological state.

In a number of studies, dancing has been linked to improvements in memory, attention, and overall cognitive ability. Participants also noted a decrease in symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress, an improvement in their emotional state and quality of life.

Scientists explain the possible benefits by the complex nature of dancing. During classes, a person needs to remember movements, coordinate them with music, follow the rhythm and interact with other people. Thus, dancing simultaneously combines physical, mental, emotional and social stress.

However, most of the available data relates to older people. There are still significantly fewer studies involving children, adolescents, and young and middle-aged people.