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The world-famous Maori war , the haka, and being may help Maori people keep dementia away. Researchers from the University of Auckland in New Zealand say performing the haka and speaking two (Maori and English) might help Maoris avoid getting dementia. A by New Zealand's Ministry of Health compared of dementia among in their 80s and 90s. They expected to find rates of dementia among Maoris. This is Maoris have less access to health care, less income, and more heart diseases than non-Maoris. However, researchers found no in rates of dementia between Maoris and non-Maoris.

The haka is a war cry or challenge. It is done by a of people who all chant and repeat the energetic movements and stamping of the . It was originally performed by warriors before a . They wanted to show their strength and frighten their . The New Zealand Native football team started using it in 1888. The New Zealand rugby (the famous All Blacks) then started using it before their matches in 1905. It is now a key part of the pre-match for the All Blacks rugby team. The haka is also used to welcome important at ceremonies. A Maori professor said that skill, eye co-ordination and the complex dance routines of the haka help to keep the brain .

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