Ballroom Dancing Helps Dementia and Alzheimer's Patients

Can ballroom dance prevent Alzheimer's disease? According to the research, it may help. Studies indicate that ballroom dancing and other stimulating activities may lower the risk of cognitive decline. More importantly, they greatly enhance quality of life, which is something that dementia steals from Alzheimer's patients and their families.

Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) reports that 35.6 million people worldwide have some type of dementia. This number is expected to triple by 2050. Alzheimer's disease (AD), a debilitating brain disease, is the most common form of dementia. Not only does it cause memory problems, but it also affects thinking, behavior and personality.

While the risk of Alzheimer's disease increases with age, it is not "old timer's disease" or "old age senility" as some people call it. It is not a normal part of aging at all, and it can affect people as young as their 30s and 40s. AD robs people of their whole essence, ravishing both the mind and body. The degenerative disease is a terminal illness with no cure.

Can this dreaded disease be prevented? This question is one that intrigues doctors, scientists and researchers, and there are no clear-cut answers. The Alzheimer's Association and other groups continue to fund research on the development and progress of dementia. This is where ballroom dancing and other leisure activities come in.

Why Couples Should Ballroom Dance

It is essential for couples to have shared interests. Once you have a pastime or activity you enjoy with your partner, you spend more time together and have more to chat about. Ballroom dancing is a hobby for creating bonds that strengthen your relationship. What you and your partner can expect:

1. More fun

People who dance are happier people. You are more likely to go out, meet new people, and generally have a brighter outlook on life.  When people are happy they have more fun. Couples have the advantage of having a “built-in” dance partner, allowing you to dance whenever you like. Whether it’s on a cruise, at a nightclub, or in your living room with the furniture pushed back, anytime is dance time.

      2.  New experiences

When couples start dancing they will naturally gravitate toward places to dance. As non-dancers, these are not places you would have discovered. You will be drawn toward like-minded people; this will lead to meeting new people who also dance. It could also mean getting your existing friends involved in dancing, so everyone can join in the fun.

      3. Better communication

As couples learn to dance they are either reminded or learn how to communicate better. In the beginning wives don’t want to discourage their husbands, so they complement more often, and vice versa. As you dance verbal communication gives way to communication through the movement of your bodies. The man leads a movement and the lady responds by following. This type of communication forces you to be more in-tune with your partner, thus leading to more open communication off the dance floor.

      4.  Exercise

During one ballroom lesson you can burn over 500 calories, and it’s much more fun than going to the gym. It will also give you a “dancer’s body”. It strengthens your core muscles, tightens your bum, and improves your posture. All this while having fun and strengthening your relationship.

      5.  Better sex

Ballroom dancing is very sensual. You are in each other’s arms, your bodies are touching, and you’re completely in sync. Combine this with the endorphins released from all the fun and exercise, plus better communication, and you will have an extra spark in the bedroom. Being in better shape also increases your stamina and the extra blood flow from all of the cardio… well we know what extra blood flow will do for both of you. 

These are only a few of the benefits couples will gain from ballroom dancing. Ladies, if you are having trouble convincing your husband to take that first dance lesson, just skip to the bottom of the list. Once he takes that first lesson he will be hooked. The two of you can then enjoy dancing through the rest of your happy lives together. Enjoy!

Please comment below on any benefits you have received from ballroom dancing. 

Posted by Sheri Hosale