As drug companies invest millions of dollars to find Alzheimer’s treatments, one research team is dancing to a different drummer. Actually, dancing to a drummer could be part of its investigation.
That’s because this study will look at whether residents who dance might get a leg up on the disease. Peter Davies, Ph.D., is overseeing the work here. He directs the Feinstein Institute’s Litwin-Zucker Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders. The dance floor, er, laboratory, is located at Bristal Assisted Living in Lake Success, NY.
“Residents participating in the program have the opportunity to enjoy themselves and help us to find out if there is some cognitive benefit,” Davies said.
During the next two years, his team will examine whether dance, strength training and programs to enhance cognitive activities could improve residents’ lives.
“It is also our hope that the findings discovered here will benefit assisted living residents across the country,” said Kimberly Bent, executive director at the community.
To see a dance therapy video, click here.
