Stay Curious

SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER AND UNLOCK ONE MORE ARTICLE FOR FREE.

Sign Up

VIEW OUR Privacy Policy


Discover Magazine Logo

WANT MORE? KEEP READING FOR AS LOW AS $1.99!

Subscribe

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

FIND MY SUBSCRIPTION
Advertisement

Music, Dance and Bilingualism Could Help Alzheimer’s – If Learned Young

Does dance impact our cognition, and what does music have to do with memory? A study says if certain skills are learned in childhood, it could help maintain brain function.

Credit: BRO.vector/Shutterstock

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news

Sign Up

While music and dance are great mood enhancers, a recent study by the United Nations and World Health Organization also shows substantial benefits in both short-term and long-term contexts for brain function. And a study in Cerebrum Medical Journal shows the same for bilingualism.

All three skills – bilingualism, music and dance – keep the brain nimble and neural connections stronger for longer, which could impact Alzheimer’s prevention. But to make this impact, prevention needs to start in childhood.

Learning multiple languages helps the brain to better process environmental information, and learn more readily. It also increases cognitive control by regulating sensory processing. The brain has a better ability to control responses and to switch attention from one task to another quickly, along with improved reaction time.

Instilling culturally dynamic interests and skills in children is the best way to ensure higher cognitive abilities and prolonged cognitive reserves in old ...

Stay Curious

JoinOur List

Sign up for our weekly science updates

View our Privacy Policy

SubscribeTo The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Subscribe
Advertisement

0 Free Articles