Medicine of the Future” Science Year
How can we keep our brains healthy, and what role do exercise, music, and social interaction play in this? The Leopoldina is addressing these questions as part of the “Medicine of the Future” Science Year at two public events in Halle (Saale). Among the participants is Prof. Dr. Emrah Düzel, director of the Institute for Cognitive Neurology and Dementia Research in Magdeburg and spokesperson for the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Magdeburg, who will contribute his expertise in cognitive neuroscience and research on neurodegenerative diseases.
The series kicks off on August 30, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. with a special dance workshop titled “Dance Your Brain Fit!” as part of the Lantern Festival in Halle. On stage at the Peißnitz Opera House, Prof. Düzel will explain, through short, moderated discussion segments, why movement, social interaction, and cognitive activity are important for brain health and which processes in the brain are triggered by dancing. Afterward, visitors will have the opportunity to put these insights into practice immediately—by joining in a group swing dance accompanied by a live orchestra.
In addition, Prof. Düzel will be available in a “Meet the Expert” session in the Opera Lounge to answer questions and discuss topics related to dementia, prevention, and brain health. There, visitors to the Lantern Festival who are not participating in the dance will have the opportunity to learn firsthand why dementia, prevention, and brain health are important for everyone. Here, too, the goal is to reach people in an accessible way and spark conversations about dementia and dementia prevention.
On September 2, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m., a panel discussion will take place in the main building of the Leopoldina on Jägerberg. This event is part of the “Fit for Tomorrow! Prevention Trail of the Science Academies,” an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space. The interactive evening event will focus on the latest findings and concrete approaches to dementia prevention, as well as their significance for daily life, care, and society. Following a moderated panel discussion, the audience is invited to actively participate in a fishbowl session by sharing questions, perspectives, and experiences.