Mexican Dance Craze Helps to Fight Dementia Jo Willey - Express UK
go to original August 31, 2012

A popular dance from the streets of Mexico is proving a lifeline for dementia sufferers in British care homes.

Dementia specialist Dr Azucena Guzman Garcia arranged for residents to be taught some simple steps of the Latin ballroom-style dance known as Danzon. Twice-weekly sessions had a major effect.

The classes benefited the residents’ cognitive, behavioural and emotional functions as they enjoyed the uplifting music and social interaction.

Dr Guzman Garcia, who knew the dance from growing up in Mexico, introduced the classes as part of her PhD research at Newcastle University.

She said in a study published in the Dementia Journal of Social Science and Practice: “While dancing is often considered entertainment in care homes, I believe that it can be useful practice.

“I found that these dance classes helped calm agitation and improved mood and quality of life for people with dementia. There are also obvious advantages in terms of physical fitness.

“I witnessed the joy that people got from taking part in the dancing and for residents who were watching, the laughter and happy memories it ­generated.”

Read more at The Express

We invite you to add your charity or supporting organizations' news stories and coming events to PVAngels so we can share them with the world. Do it now!