Dance Your Way to Better Brain Health

The Science of Dance

At the University of Illinois at Chicago, through the CDC-funded Prevention Research Centers’ Healthy Brain Research Network, researchers designed a Latin ballroom dance program for older sedentary adults. Participants in the program, BAILAMOS©, reported improvements in memory, attention, and focus. In a separate ballroom dance program, older people experiencing mild cognitive impairment improved their thinking and memory after a 10-month-long ballroom dancing class.

So, how can you get moving?

Sign up for a dance class and invite your friends to join. Find classes at your local community college, YMCA, dance studio, or community center.
Try dancing at home by following along with a DVD or videos on YouTube. Easy-to-follow, free exercise videos are available at the National Institute on Aging’s Go4Life YouTube channel.
For an extra challenge, try using small weights to build strength. Keep a 2-pound or 5-pound weight in each hand while doing your dance routine. For more ideas on strength exercises, visit Go4Life.

Help for Caregivers of People with Alzheimer’s

Are you a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia? You can help the person you care for get moving, too.

Split dance moves and exercises into small, easy-to-follow steps. Use exercise videos and follow along with the person you’re caring for.
At first, try shorter 5- or 10-minute mini dancing sessions to slowly build endurance.
Take breaks when needed and make sure you are both drinking plenty of water.