A recent study by the American Medical Directors Association, has found that having ballroom dancing lessons and learning to play a percussion instrument can help improve your memory.
The controlled trial consisted of three groups: one that took ballroom dancing lessons, another playing percussion instruments and a group that was given classes adressing health education.
Each group completed one hour a week of lessons for 40 weeks. At the end of the trial, both the dance group and those learning to play an instrument showed improved scores on a test that looked at everyday mental skills compared to the control group.
Another known fact? Older adults who dance or play a musical instrument frequently have a lower risk of dementia. Maybe it’s time to take up the tango!
Discover more tips on improving your mind and body in the August/September issue of Prevention magazine. In stores now.
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