Can Dance Slow Brain Aging? Here's What Research Found

What if dance could actually change your brain? Not just how you feel... but how your brain functions over time. In this video we break down a systematic review and meta-analysis (one of the highest levels of scientific evidence) to answer a powerful question: Can dance improve cognitive function and help protect against decline as we age?

We’ll cover:

What the research says about memory, attention, and executive function
Why dance may stimulate neuroplasticity
Whether dance is actually better than other forms of exercise
What this means for dancers, adults, and aging populations

This isn’t just “exercise is good for you.” This is measurable, clinical data on how movement impacts the brain.

Publication Discussed:

Hewston P, Kennedy CC, Borhan S, Merom D, Santaguida P, Ioannidis G, Marr S, Santesso N, Thabane L, Bray S, Papaioannou A. Effects of dance on cognitive function in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Age Ageing. 2021 Jun 28;50(4):1084-1092. doi: 10.1093/ageing/afaa270. PMID: 33338209.

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Hosted by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., the Ballet Science podcast brings science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities give their best performances both onstage and off, and reveals how the science of ballet can benefit anyone who moves.

Each week, we explore the intersection of science and ballet... from injury prevention and biomechanics to nutrition, mindset, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your friends and dance community. You can also follow Ballet Science on social media and visit our website for additional information.

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