It's the little steps that count: Dementia patients fight memory loss by dancing the night away
By Elizabeth Elizalde and Thomas Tracy
Mar 02, 2019 | 11:25 AM
Members of the Alzheimer Association New York City Chapter practice Tango lessons at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio. Manhattan, NY. February 26, 2019. (Luiz C. Ribeiro for New York Daily News)
Seniors suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's have a new way to fight their disease — and all that's needed is a pair of dancing shoes.
On Saturday, a half dozen patients will put their best foot forward to perform for family and friends at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio on Broadway, thanks to an Alzheimer's Association program.
"Alzheimer's affects everybody, doesn't matter who you are," said Esther Frances, manager and dance instructor at the Arthur Murray studio who is putting on the show. "But I think dancing can help a lot of different needs for people."
Instructor Esther Frances at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Manhattan, NY. February 26, 2019. (Luiz C. Ribeiro for New York Daily News)
Organizers said structured, fun events like the dance recital help students socialize. The repetitive dance moves also help bolster memory.
Usually, the student is paired up with their healthcare provider or a loved one, said Frances, who lost her aunt to Alzheimer's three years ago.
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"There's a huge benefit for the actual caretaker because they get to see... a side of this person that maybe they once were," she said. "They get to come in and dance and not think about any other thing at least for this moment."
The couples, who have practiced for eight weeks, will perform the Argentine tango and and merengue — all of which helped improve their condition.
"It's easy to feel discouraged, especially when you have memory loss," said Jim Paul, 77. Paul will be dancing with his 80-year-old wife Susanne, who was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's. "To feel that they're serious about (the class) is great."
Susanne and James Paul (L) practice their moves with instructors Valeriya Kalmykosa and Devin Packard (R) at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Manhattan, NY. (Luiz C. Ribeiro for New York Daily News)
The dances are also "a lot of fun," Paul said.
The Alzheimer's Association said dance recitals like these are pivotal, because "it's never too late to learn, grow and connect with new people," said Christopher Smith, the executive director of the Alzheimer's Association's New York chapter.
"Early stage social engagement program helps New Yorkers living with dementia to stay active and engaged in the community," Smith said. "Too often people with dementia isolate themselves. This partnership with Arthur Murray has created a wonderful opportunity for those in the early stages of a dementia diagnosis to shine."
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To learn more about programs like these, visit tthe Alheimer's Association website here.
Diseases and Illnesses