A large-scale study has revealed that participating in creative activities like singing and dancing can lead to beneficial changes in proteins that reduce inflammation and support brain health. Researchers analyzed blood samples from nearly 6,000 UK adults to uncover these biological pathways. The findings suggest arts involvement lowers risks for conditions such as heart disease and dementia.
Engaging in the arts has long been associated with health improvements, but a new study provides deeper insights into the biological mechanisms at play. Over the past decade, research has shown that activities like dance can aid those with Parkinson’s disease in walking better, while arts participation in children correlates with reduced depression risk. Individuals more involved in the arts also exhibit lower inflammation levels, which supports overall physical and mental well-being.
In the largest investigation of its kind, scientists at University College London examined data from around 6,000 UK adults using a one-time blood sample. They assessed 184 proteins related to bodily and brain systems through proteomics, a method that maps how behaviors affect biology. Engagement was measured by the frequency and variety of activities, including dancing, singing, reading, photography, crafting, and attending opera.
The results indicated that higher arts involvement correlated with alterations in 18 specific proteins. Some influence metabolism, others maintain brain cell health, and several promote anti-inflammatory processes while curbing inflammatory proteins. “We have discovered a whole host of new biological pathways that help to explain the relationship between the arts and health outcomes,” said Daisy Fancourt, the lead researcher.
Follow-up analysis revealed that greater arts engagement predicted lower future risks for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, depression, and dementia. These protein changes accounted for 16 to 38 percent of the link between arts participation and improved health, even after adjusting for factors like income and education. “So it might be that the arts are stimulating a rebalancing of the inflammatory system,” Fancourt added.
Experts welcomed the findings. Daryl O’Connor at the University of Leeds called the study exciting, noting it opens avenues for exploring behavioral impacts on health. Carmine Pariante at King’s College London affirmed its consistency with arts' protective roles but highlighted the need for longitudinal data to determine optimal exposure levels. Future causal research could track protein shifts before and after arts activities to strengthen these connections.
The study appears in medRxiv (DOI: 10.64898/2026.01.09.26343769).
