Laughter helps your brain: study
Posted Apr 21, 2014 7:49 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Can’t remember where you put your keys or your wallet? Just laugh it off.
New research suggests, laughter can improve short-term memory in older adults.
A small study conducted by Loma Linda University in Southern California had 20 people watch a funny video for 20 minutes, while a second group sat calmly with no video.
Both groups then performed memory tests and had saliva samples analyzed for stress hormones; those who watched the video scored better.
The researchers say the act of laughter increases endorphins and sends dopamine to the brain.