Mary Klootwyk
An article from NPR appeared online on Oct. 22, 2025, reporting that a new study shows intensive mental exercise can reverse a brain change linked to aging. This is the strongest evidence that scientists have unveiled yet showing that a combination of diet, exercise, and brain training can improve thinking and memory in older Americans. For 10 weeks, participants 65 and older who did 30 minutes of cognitive training daily increased levels of the brain chemical acetylcholine by 2.3% in a brain area for attention and memory. This increase helped to offset the normal, age-related decline of about 2.5% per decade in that chemical.
• Study participants: 65 and older.
• Intervention: 30 minutes of cognitive training daily for 10 weeks.
• Key chemical messenger: Acetylcholine, which is crucial for decision-making, attention, and memory.
• Key finding: A 2.3% increase in acetylcholine levels in an area of the brain linked to attention and memory.
• Significance: This increase helped reverse the typical age-related decrease of about 2.5% per decade in this chemical, essentially turning back the clock by about 10 years in that specific brain area, according to this NPR article.
• Broader context: This finding suggests that specific cognitive training could help with age-related cognitive decline in a similar way to early Alzheimer’s medications that also boost acetylcholine, notes this NPR article.
Square dancing can be considered a form of cognitive brain training, because it combines physical exercise with memory, rhythm, and social interaction, which benefits the brain.
How square dancing is cognitive:
• Combines multiple activities: Square dancing is a multimodal activity that engages both the body and the mind through physical movement, remembering sequences, and listening to calls and music.
• Improves brain structure: The combination of movement and music can create new neural pathways, improve white matter integrity in areas of the brain related to memory and processing speed, and activate widespread brain regions.
• Boosts executive function: Some studies suggest that square dancing can improve executive function and balance, which are key aspects of cognitive health.
• Social interaction: The social component of square dancing can also reduce stress and improve mood, which indirectly benefits cognitive health.
• Beneficial for older adults: Research has shown positive effects specifically for older adults, including those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), indicating that square dancing can be a safe and effective intervention.
This is just one reason why SaddleBrooke Squares Dance Club encourages non-dancers to give square dancing a try. On Oct. 9, 40 guests and 20 SaddleBrooke Squares Dance Club members attended the annual Give Us A Whirl event. It was an amazing turnout, and everyone appeared to have a great time.
This event provided a night of free introductions to square dancing and demonstrated how much fun it can be! Following this evening activity, those interested could sign up for weekly square dance lessons. To find out how you can join this exciting activity, visit www.saddlebrookesquares.com.