Chesapeake Ballroom

05/20/2026

05/20/2026

This study quietly made me change how I talk about exercise.

In 2003, researchers led by Dr. Joe Verghese at Albert Einstein College of Medicine published a now classic paper in the New England Journal of Medicine.

They followed a group of older adults for an average of 5 years, looking at which leisure activities were associated with reduced risk of developing dementia.

Reading was protective. Crossword puzzles were protective. Playing a musical instrument was protective.

But the only physical activity in this cohort that showed a substantially lower dementia risk was dancing. Frequent dancing was associated with a directionally striking reduction in dementia risk compared to no dancing.

Not jogging. Not gym workouts. Dancing.

Researchers think dance is unique because it asks the brain to do many demanding things at once. Coordinate the body. Anticipate a partner. Stay in rhythm. Adapt to changing music. Remember sequences. Read social cues.

Crossword puzzles work one or two cognitive systems. Dance works most of them simultaneously, while moving the body, while connecting with another human.

I encourage my older patients to consider dance, not just walking, as part of brain health.

It does not need to be ballroom. Line dancing. Salsa. A kitchen dance with your grandchild.

When was the last time you let your body move to music?

12/24/2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wETM6Zu_HXM

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05/15/2024

Yeah, man!!

07/21/2023

So sweet... RIP Mr. Bennett

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