Sohng So-won, a 57-year-old professor of psychology at Seoul National University who studies smart aging and brain plasticity (the creation of new neural connections between brain cells), has issued a warning about three habits that cause our brains to age rapidly while proposing 10 ways to keep the brain young. One of those key methods is none other than dancing.
She has learned waltz, tango, cha-cha-cha, and jive, and also plays the drums, guitar, and piano. This is not simply for a hobby, but to protect her brain health.
Many neuroscientists are advocates of dancing. Learning new things is truly beneficial for the brain, and dancing is particularly effective in several ways. Because you move your body to a rhythm, it requires mathematical skills. Since you step using spatial awareness, it is also great for your spatial cognition. In neuroscience, dancing generally refers to partnered choreography rather than solo random dancing because it involves social activities.
There is also a method proven through American dementia research. Dr. David Snowdon of the University of Kentucky began a dementia study in 1986 targeting 678 nuns. The nuns left writings about their life stories, and what did the writings of the nuns who developed less dementia have in common?
Professor Sohng also warned that there are specific personalities prone to dementia, noting that individuals with high levels of this particular score have a threefold higher risk of developing dementia. Conversely, there are personalities that are less susceptible to dementia.
When examining how some individuals maintain brilliance into their 80s and 90s while others experience rapid brain aging in their 40s and 50s, a major factor is a lack of brain stimulation. For example, when a stroke paralyzes part of the body, physical rehabilitation is used. Even though the brain is injured, the body stiffens, and moving the body again essentially rehabilitates the brain. This shows how closely the brain and body are connected. Using our brain includes not only studying but also engaging in physical activity, using sensory organs to feel, see, and touch. Merely sitting in front of a computer uses only a part of the brain. If you do not move your body and engage in diverse activities, your brain ages.
Another detrimental factor for the brain is isolation. If we go just a few days without a conversation and remain isolated, speaking becomes difficult. When elderly individuals suffer a fall, their dementia risk skyrockets instantly because the fall reduces physical activity and social interaction, which simultaneously diminishes cognitive function. In other words, social connection is extremely crucial. Furthermore, if an elderly person experiences hearing loss but does not use a hearing aid, or has cataracts left untreated, the risk of dementia surges dramatically. Sensory abilities like vision and hearing are directly linked to cognitive capacity.
Interestingly, cleaning is another habit practiced by this brain health expert to awaken the mind. Additionally, she shared an eye-opening insight regarding physical activity, noting that walking a full 10,000 steps daily is not strictly necessary for everyone.
