Brain Health and Tango

We tango dancers know that we enjoy Argentine tango even though it can be a challenging dance form to master. We feel good when we dance ti. Yet several studies have suggested that the improvisation of Argentine tango makes it more effective than choreographed dance for cognitive health. Yup, it’s especially good for our brains.

Studies have emphasized how Argentine tango is a powerful, “multi-modal” activity which increases brain health by combining physical exercise, social interaction, and mental, cognitive, and musical engagement. Research indicates that regular tango dancing can slow brain aging by up to seven years, improve executive function, spatial memory, and balance in older adults, and improve motor skills for people with Parkinson’s disease. 

The specific areas where tango benefits brain health include:

• Neuroplasticity and Cognitive Function: the improvisation of tango dance requires quick and constant decision-making, which encourages the brain to rewire neural pathways and enhances cognitive reserve.

• Neuro-Motor Rehab: Tango focuses on walking, weight shifting, and balance, making it effective for enhancing mobility and reducing the risk of falls in individuals with dementia or cognitive impairment.

• Mood and Emotional Wellbeing: Tango can decrease stress and improve emotional states, reducing depression and anxiety – often more effectively than anti-depressant medications (see MTS blog “Tango can Be More Powerful Than Drugs”)

• Dual-Task Training: The dance requires navigating a crowded floor while following a partner, which strengthens multitasking abilities and motor-cognitive integration.

• Parkinson’s Therapy: Tango is particularly useful for people with Parkinson’s, as it stimulates coordination and movement initiation to tackle symptoms of cognitive decline and motor dysfunction. 

So find those opportunities to dance Argentine tango - it's is good for our brains!

MTS would like to thank Catherine T for background articles and suggesting this blog!

Additional reference:

·       https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4445309/

·       https://www.emoryhealthcare.org/stories/brain-health/tango-and-parkinsons-can-dance-improve-movement-and-confidence