Why brushing your teeth with your opposite hand can lead to increased brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
Have you ever tried to use your non-dominant hand to brush your teeth, feed yourself or scroll on the computer? What about learning an instrument whilst balancing on a balance board? Or playing a video game whilst holding a conversation? Or playing chess while riding a stationary bike? It can be very tricky and even more frustrating!
These are all examples of challenging dual task activities.
Research shows that engaging in challenging multi tasks activities can offer several benefits to cognitive function, attention and overall brain health.
A study published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience found that older adults who participated in dual-tasking showed improvements in attention working memory and cognitive flexibility.
These dual tasks require dividing attention between multiple tasks or stimuli. Evidence suggests that engaging in these tasks can enhance attentional control which improves focus and the ability to switch attention between different tasks.
Dual-task training has been linked to neuroplastic changes in the brain. Evidence shows that dual task training resulted in increased gray matter volume in brain areas associated with attention and cognitive control. This suggests that dual tasking can promote brain plasticity and structural changes.
Studies have even shown that dual task training effects can extend beyond specific tasks and actually improve other unrelated tasks in older adults including gait stability, improved balance and mobility.
Research also shows that these tasks can improve functional independence in older adults particularly enhancing mobility, reducing falls risk and improve overall function necessary for independent living.
Dual tasks have also shown to challenge the brain to coordinate unfamiliar movements, fostering formation of new neural connections. This can improve fine motor skills, problem solving and hand-eye coordination.