A night at the theatre could do you a world of good
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Engaging in the arts is not just enjoyable, but it also has significant health benefits, as suggested by the latest research findings. The largest study of its kind has revealed that participating in creative activities can lead to positive changes in proteins that play a role in reducing inflammation and maintaining brain health.
According to Daisy Fancourt from University College London, “We have discovered a whole host of new biological pathways that help to explain the relationship between the arts and health outcomes.”
Studies over the past decade have shown that involvement in activities such as music, theatre, and other creative arts can have profound effects on health. For example, dance programs have been found to assist individuals with Parkinson’s disease in walking, while children engaged in the arts have a lower risk of depression.
Previous research indicated that individuals who are more involved in the arts tend to have lower levels of inflammation, which is associated with better physical and mental health. However, recent technological advancements now allow for the measurement of hundreds of proteins, providing a more comprehensive understanding of how creative activities impact our biology through proteomics.
By analyzing data from around 6000 UK adults, Fancourt and her team identified that engagement in the arts was linked to specific changes in 18 proteins associated with various bodily and brain systems. The study also showed that individuals who were more involved in the arts had a lower risk of conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, depression, and dementia in the future.
These protein changes explained a significant portion of the association between arts engagement and better health outcomes, even after adjusting for factors like income and education. Some of the proteins affected are related to metabolism and brain cell health, while others are involved in anti-inflammatory processes.
While the study provides valuable insights into the biological mechanisms underlying the benefits of arts engagement, further research is needed to understand the optimal level of arts exposure required to generate these protective effects.
Overall, the findings highlight the importance of arts and culture in promoting mental and physical well-being, opening up new opportunities for studying how our behaviors influence our health.
