Turn It Up and Dance It Out — Research Shows Dancing Can Ease Anxiety and Help Fight Dementia

Dancing isn’t just fun, it’s good for your brain and your mental health.

New research suggests that getting on your feet and moving to the rhythm can significantly reduce anxiety and may even help prevent or delay the onset of dementia.

Multiple studies have found that dance, especially when done regularly, stimulates various regions of the brain associated with memory, coordination, and emotion regulation.

A 2024 study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology revealed that older adults who participated in weekly dance sessions showed improvements in mood and cognitive performance after just three months.

"Dancing combines physical activity with social interaction, music, and mental challenge, a powerful combination for the brain," said Dr. Evelyn Mwangi, a neurologist and researcher based in Nairobi.

“It engages both the body and the mind, which is key in maintaining mental fitness, especially as we age.”

Beyond cognitive benefits, dance also appears to be a natural stress reliever.

According to a recent review by the American Psychological Association, dance therapy has shown promising results in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in both adults and adolescents.

Local wellness programs and gyms have begun incorporating dance-based classes such as Zumba, Afrobeat fitness, and ballroom dance into their offerings, with some hospitals even introducing movement sessions for patients undergoing neurological rehabilitation.

Mental health advocates are also embracing dance as a tool for emotional healing.

“There’s something freeing about dancing, it gives people a way to express themselves without words,” said Lillian Otieno, a certified dance therapist in Kenya.

So whether it's in your living room or at a weekend class, turning up the music and dancing it out might be one of the simplest, and most joyful, ways to care for your mind and body.