Regular Latin Dancing and Health Education May Improve Cognition of Late Middle-Aged and Older Latinos

Exploring the effects of combining health qigong and dance on working memory in middle-aged and elderly women: A preliminary investigation

OBJECTIVE

Cognitive decline represents a critical clinical and public health issue that adversely affects the quality of life for older patients and their families. This concern was exacerbated by the reduced engagement in outdoor activities among seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting substantial challenges to aging societies. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of health qigong combined with Tibetan dance on working memory in middle-aged and elderly women, and to determine its potential as a preventive strategy against cognitive disorders.

METHODS

A pilot study was conducted to compare the effects of a Health Qigong exercise intervention with those of everyday life and sports routines. The primary outcome measure was working memory assessed using a 2-Back working memory task research paradigm. Between July and September 2021, a total of 33 women were divided into four groups: two middle-aged groups (N = 18, with 8 women in the experimental group and 10 in the control group) and two elderly groups (N = 15, with 7 in the experimental group and 8 in the control group). Participants in the experimental groups underwent a 10-week intervention, consisting of three 60-min sessions per week. Each session included a warm-up, Health Qigong combined with Tibetan dance, and a cool-down. Throughout the study, all participants continued their daily routines. Response times and error rates were analyzed using a mixed-design repeated-measures analysis of variance.

RESULTS

A simple effects analysis revealed that Health Qigong combined with Tibetan dance significantly enhanced 2-Back response time and error rate in the middle-aged group. In contrast, the 2-Back error rate significantly increased in the elderly control group that did not receive the intervention (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Health Qigong demonstrates beneficial effects on middle-aged and elderly women. Combining Health Qigong with dance may serve as a preventive measure against cognitive disorders. This pioneering study conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, assesses the new possibility of Health Qigong and dance, with the objective to offer more diverse indoor exercise options for middle-aged and elderly women.

Moving Towards a Medicine of Dance: A Scoping Review of Characteristics of Dance Interventions Targeting Older Adults and a Theoretical Framework

Background

Dance combines cultural and aesthetic elements with behaviors important for brain health, including physical activity, social engagement, and cognitive challenge. Therefore, dance could positively impact public health given the rapidly aging population, increasing incidence of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, and lack of uptake of exercise in many older adults. Despite a high volume of literature, existing literature does not support evidence-based guidelines for dance to support healthy aging.

Objective

To conduct a scoping review of the dance intervention literature in older adults and provide information to facilitate a more consistent approach among scientists in designing dance interventions for older adults that stimulate physical and neurocognitive health adaptations.

Methods

Study characteristics (sample size, population, study design, outcomes, intervention details) were ascertained from 112 separate studies of dance reported in 127 papers that reported outcomes important for brain health (cardiorespiratory fitness, balance and mobility, cognition, mood, and quality of life).

Results

High heterogeneity across studies was evident. Class frequency ranged from < 1 to 5 classes per week, class length from 30-120 minutes, and intervention duration from 2 weeks to 18 months. Studies often did not randomize participants, had small (< 30) sample sizes, and used varied comparator conditions. Over 50 tests of cognition, 40 dance forms, and 30 tests of mobility were identified.

Conclusions

Based on these results, important future directions are establishing common data elements, developing intervention mapping and mechanistic modeling, and testing dosing parameters to strengthen and focus trial design of future studies and generate evidence-based guidelines for dance.

Is it premature to formulate recommendations for policy and practice, based on culture and health research? A robust critique of the CultureForHealth (2022) report

Introduction

Arts and health practice and research has expanded rapidly since the turn of the millennium. A World Health Organization scoping review of a large body of evidence claims positive health benefits from arts participation and makes recommendations for policy and implementation of arts for health initiatives. A more recent scoping review (CultureForHealth) also claims that current evidence is sufficient to form recommendations for policy and practice. However, scoping reviews of arts and health research-without critical appraisal of included studies-do not provide a sound basis for recommendations on the wider implantation of healthcare interventions.

Methods

We performed a detailed assessment of 18 Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) on arts-based interventions included in Section 1 of the CultureForHealth report using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool for RCTs (2023).

Results

The 18 RCTs included demonstrated considerable risks of bias regarding internal and statistical conclusion validity. Moreover, the trials are substantially heterogeneous with respect to settings, health-issues, interventions, and outcomes, which limits their external validity, reliability, and generalisability.

Conclusions

The absence of a critical appraisal of studies included in the CultureForHealth report leads to an overinterpretation and overstatement of the health outcomes of arts-based interventions. As such, the CultureForHealth review is not a suitable foundation for policy recommendations, nor for formulating guidance on implementation of arts-based interventions for health.

"It doesn't feel like exercise": a realist process evaluation of factors that support long-term attendance at dance classes designed for healthy ageing

Introduction

Dance can positively impact older people's health and wellbeing across cultures and socioeconomic groups, countering age-related physical, sensorimotor and cognitive decline.

Background/objectives

The RIPE (Really Is Possible for Everyone) Dance program aims to improve older people's physical, mental, cognitive and social wellbeing by integrating engaging dance sequences with evidence-based fall prevention exercises. We sought to identify what mechanisms support observed long-term participation in this program, including by people living with challenging health conditions.

Methods

Following a realist evaluation approach, we co-developed and tested program theories iteratively with participant interviewees (n = 20), dance teachers (n = 2) and via observation of a dance class. Initial data were dual-coded and emergent findings were interrogated by the research team. Findings were organised to express Program activities + Context + Mechanism = Process outcomes configurations.

Results

We identified four program theories comprising 14 mechanisms which explained long-term attendance: 1. RIPE Dance benefits my body and mind (trust in the program, belief in health benefits), 2. RIPE Dance helps me feel good about myself (self-efficacy, pride in achievement, psychological safety, defying expectations, feeling valued), 3. RIPE Dance creates camaraderie (social connection, mutual support, rapport with the teacher), and 4. RIPE Dance is uplifting (raised spirits, fun, synchrony, musical reactivity).

Conclusion

The RIPE Dance program provides effective and enjoyable 'exercise in disguise' for older people with diverse mobility profiles.

Significance/implications

This research confirms that participation in dance can contribute significantly to healthy, happy ageing. Findings detail program activities that were most strongly associated with process outcomes, offering guidance for further program development, implementation and scaling up.

Effect of Latin dance on physical and mental health: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Latin dance is a well-liked physical activity. It has gained increasing attention as an exercise intervention for improving physical and mental health outcomes. This systematic review examines the effects of Latin dance on physical and mental health.

METHODS

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) were used to report the data for this review. To gather research from the literature, we used recognized academic and scientific databases such SportsDiscus with Full Text, PsycINFO, Cochrane, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. The systematic review only included 22 studies out of the 1,463 that matched all inclusion criteria. The PEDro scale was used to rate each study's quality. 22 research received scores between 3 and 7.

RESULTS

Latin dance has been demonstrated to promote physical health by helping people lose weight, improve cardiovascular health, increase muscle strength and tone, and improve flexibility and balance. Furthermore, Latin dance can benefit mental health by reducing stress, improving mood, social connection, and cognitive function.

CONCLUSIONS

Finding from this systematic review provide substantial evidence that Latin dance has effect on physical and mental health. Latin dance has the potential to be a powerful and pleasurable public health intervention.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

CRD42023387851, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero .

Benefits of Cultural Activities on People with Cognitive Impairment: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Museums and cultural institutions are increasingly aware of both the interests and needs of society. Accordingly, these institutions are becoming allies in terms of health and well-being due to the importance of their social functions. Presently, many institutions create cultural activities aimed at cognitively impaired people, a group on the rise owing to the prevalence of dementia and the aging of society. Nevertheless, scientific evidence in this field remains scarce. As a result, the main objective of this research was to empirically evaluate and identify the benefits that cultural interventions can bring to cognitively impaired participants.

METHOD

A meta-analysis (MA) was performed following PRISMA guidelines. When inclusion and eligibility criteria had been established, articles were subsequently selected through a strategic search of Web of Science, SCOPUS, PubMed, and Medline.

RESULTS

Twenty-six studies met the eligibility criteria, involving a total of 1201 participants with cognitive impairment. The results showed a statistically non-significant effect size when analyzing these cultural interventions for cognitively impaired people overall. However, when conducting partial meta-analyses (MA'), focusing on studies related to a specific disease, a particular type of treatment, or a specific type of evaluation, the results concurred with the conclusion of the previous systematic review (SR).

CONCLUSION

Despite the high heterogeneity of the studies, benefits were identified in emotional well-being and social aspects but not in clinical ones such as the deterioration of cognitive or motor function, among others.

The effect of rhythmic movement on physical and cognitive functions among cognitively healthy older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects of rhythmic movement interventions on the physical and cognitive functions among cognitively healthy older adults.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CNKI, CBM, Wanfang Data, and VIP databases from inception to March 30, 2022. The inclusion criteria were: ① randomized controlled trials (RCTs); ② older adults (aged ≥ 60 years) without cognitive impairments or neurological or neurodegenerative diseases; ③ intervention: rhythmic movement (rhythmic exercise or physical activities performed to music); ④ outcomes: physical or cognitive function. Overall, 44 RCTs across 20 countries (n = 2752 participants) were included.

RESULTS

An association was found between rhythmic movement and improved physical function (mobility, cardiopulmonary endurance, muscle strength, flexibility, and balance), global cognitive function, and quality of life (QOL). The physical function outcomes suggested additional significant benefits when using control groups with no exercise than when using control groups with exercise. No significant improvement was found in executive function.

CONCLUSION

Regular rhythmic movement likely improves physical function, global cognitive function, and QOL in healthy older adults. The effect of rhythmic movement on the physical function in older adults is similar to that of routine exercise. Further studies on cognitive function of healthy older adults using larger samples of populations with more balanced sex ratios with long-term follow-up are particularly encouraged.

Effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions on cognitive function among non-demented African American and Latino older adults in the USA: a scoping review

OBJECTIVE

African Americans and Latinos/Hispanics have a higher prevalence of dementia compared to non-Latino Whites. This scoping review aims to synthesize non-pharmaceutical interventions to delay or slow age-related cognitive decline among cognitively healthy African American and Latino older adults.

DESIGN

A literature search for articles published between January 2000 and May 2019 was performed using the databases PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Web of Science. Relevant cited references and grey literature were also reviewed. Four independent reviewers evaluated 1,181 abstracts, and full-article screening was subsequently performed for 145 articles. The scoping review consisted of eight studies, which were evaluated according to the peer-reviewed original manuscript, non-pharmaceutical intervention, cognitive function as an outcome, separate reporting of results for African American and Latinos, minimum age of 40, and conducted in the US. A total of 8 studies were considered eligible and were analyzed in the present scoping review.

RESULTS

Eight studies were identified. Four studies focused on African Americans and four focused on Latinos. Through the analysis, results indicated cognitive training-focused interventions were effective in improving memory, executive function, reasoning, visuospatial, psychological function, and speed among African Americans. Exercise interventions were effective in improving cognition among Latinos.

CONCLUSION

This scoping review identified effective non-pharmaceutical interventions among African American and Latinos. Effective interventions focused on cognitive training alone for African Americans and exercise combined with group educational sessions for Latinos. Future research should explore developing culturally appropriate non-pharmaceutical interventions to reduce disparities and to enhance cognition among older African American and Latinos.

Effects of fundamental movement skills based dual-task and dance training on single- and dual-task walking performance in older women with dementia

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of fundamental movement skills (FMS)-based dual-task training and dance training on spatio-temporal characteristics of gait performance under single- and dual-task walking conditions among older women with dementia.

METHOD

Thirty-eight elderly females with dementia were randomly assigned to one of two groups: (1) dual-task intervention (DTI, age: 73 ± 6.5 years) or (2) Iranian dance intervention (IDI, age: 72.52 ± 6.01 years). Both groups participated in a 10-week intervention program (3 sessions per week, each lasting 50 min). Gait performance parameters (gait speed, cadence, and stride length) and dual-task costs (DTC) were examined using a gait analysis system. The participants completed three walking trials under two conditions: single- and dual-task. The video data was analyzed using motion analysis software (Frame-DIAS II, DKH, DKH Inc., Tokyo, Japan).

RESULTS

The results showed that both groups significantly improved in terms of all gait variables, and DTC decreased (p < .001) from pre- to post-test for both conditions. However, the main effects for the group and the group-by-time interactions were not significantly different between the two groups (p > .05).

CONCLUSION

These findings showed that DTI and IDI effectively improved gait performance following a 10-week intervention for older women with dementia. Therefore, it is suggested that either training program could decrease DTC and increase gait speed, stride length, and cadence among older females with dementia.

It still takes a village: Advocating healthy living medicine for communities through social justice action

Countless individuals in the United States continue to experience effects related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, such as job/business instability, the breaking down of school systems, isolation, and negative health consequences. There are, however, certain populations and communities that continue to be disproportionately affected, resulting in severe health outcomes, decreased quality of life, and alarmingly high death rates. These populations typically live in historically excluded communities and identify as persons of color. To advance health equity in these communities, healthy living (HL) strategies are paramount. In fact HL Medicine - getting sufficient physical activity, practicing good nutrition, maintaining a healthy body weight, and not smoking, can be a viable solution. Applying these concepts, particularly the promotion of physical activity, through community collaboration can advance the goals of social justice action.

Characterization of dance-based protocols used in rehabilitation - A systematic review

Objective

To describe the use of dance-based intervention protocols as a rehabilitation proposal.

Method

Papers containing protocols used in adult patients and written in Spanish, English, and Portuguese were collected using the following keywords: Physical Therapy; Dance Therapy; Rehabilitation; and Clinical Trial Protocol. The PUBMED, MEDLINE, LILACS, BVS ScienceDirect, PEDro, OTseeker, The Cochrane Library (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), and Scopus databases were used for the collection of information to define the type of dance, the established protocol, pathologies, and the population involved.

Results

70 studies met the eligibility criteria, all of which presented a dance protocol. This was used in the rehabilitation of pathologies covering the neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular systems, as well as in a healthy population. Positive results were the main outcome measure.

Discussion

Dance is an innovative intervention strategy for patients with comorbidities or underlying pathologies as well as for those in good health. It offers, without limitations, a field of applicability through the use of a dancing style as a rehabilitation process, generating significant changes in the physical, mental, and social skills of the individual.

Benefits of Cultural Activities on People With Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review

Museums and cultural institutions are increasingly striving to respond to the interests and needs of the society that hosts them. This means, apart from other actions, that these institutions must be involved in the health and wellbeing of society, and the creation of cultural activities aimed at people with cognitive impairment, a group of individuals that is growing worldwide due to the aging of society and the increasing prevalence of dementia. The involved sectors are aware of the potential and benefits of activities for this population, even though there is much research to be conducted. To date, no systematic review has focused on the benefits of cultural activities for cognitively impaired people. This study aimed to explore the benefits of different modalities of cultural activities with evidence from 145 studies from various databases, which met the inclusion criteria. Significant improvements in general cognition, quality of life (QoL), emotional wellbeing, socialization, and communication were generally reported after interventions, with a reduction in depression symptoms. There was not enough evidence to prove memory, language, or daily functioning improvements attributable to cultural interventions. There were no significant reductions reported in apathy, sadness, agitation, or anxiety.

Effects of dance on cognitive function in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

dance is a mind-body activity that stimulates neuroplasticity. We explored the effect of dance on cognitive function in older adults.

METHODS

we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and PsycInfo databases from inception to August 2020 (PROSPERO:CRD42017057138). Inclusion criteria were (i) randomised controlled trials (ii) older adults (aged ≥ 55 years), (iii) intervention-dance and (iv) outcome-cognitive function. Cognitive domains were classified with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 Neurocognitive Framework. Meta-analyses were performed in RevMan5.3 and certainty of evidence with GradePro.

RESULTS

we reviewed 3,997 records and included 11 studies (N = 1,412 participants). Seven studies included only healthy older adults and four included those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Dance interventions varied in frequency (1-3×/week), time (35-60 minutes), duration (3-12 months) and type. We found a mean difference (MD) = 1.58 (95% confidence interval [CI) = 0.21-2.95) on the Mini Mental State Examination for global cognitive function (moderate-certainty evidence), and the Wechsler Memory Test for learning and memory had an MD = 3.02 (95% CI = 1.38-4.65; low-certainty evidence). On the Trail Making Test-A for complex attention, MD = 3.07 (95% CI = -0.81 to 6.95; high-certainty evidence) and on the Trail Making Test-B for executive function, MD = -4.12 (95% CI = -21.28 to 13.03; moderate-certainty evidence). Subgroup analyses did not suggest consistently greater effects in older adults with MCI. Evidence is uncertain for language, and no studies evaluated social cognition or perceptual-motor function.

CONCLUSIONS

dance probably improves global cognitive function and executive function. However, there is little difference in complex attention, and evidence also suggests little effect on learning and memory. Future research is needed to determine the optimal dose and if dance results in greater cognitive benefits than other types of physical activity and exercise.

Inflammation and Insulin Resistance as Risk Factors and Potential Therapeutic Targets for Alzheimer's Disease

Overnutrition and modern diets containing high proportions of saturated fat are among the major factors contributing to a low-grade state of inflammation, hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. In the last decades, the global rise of type 2 diabetes and obesity prevalence has elicited a great interest in understanding how changes in metabolic function lead to an increased risk for premature brain aging and the development of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Cognitive impairment and decreased neurogenic capacity could be a consequence of metabolic disturbances. In these scenarios, the interplay between inflammation and insulin resistance could represent a potential therapeutic target to prevent or ameliorate neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment. The present review aims to provide an update on the impact of metabolic stress pathways on AD with a focus on inflammation and insulin resistance as risk factors and therapeutic targets.

Mitigating the negative impacts of aging on cognitive function; modifiable factors associated with increasing cognitive reserve

Research suggests that social, physical, and cognitively challenging activities during lifetime, could mitigate the negative effects of aging on cognitive function. This effect is explained by the increased cognitive reserve (CR) resulting from such factors; in fact, such activities, by altering structural and functional properties of the human brain, equip one with more effective compensatory mechanisms to resist brain damage before the presentation of severe clinical symptoms. Therefore, applying appropriate modifications in one's lifestyle and activities may be effective in lowering the risk of developing dementia and cognitive dysfunction in old age, especially in brain areas that are susceptible to aging. In this paper, we are going to review relevant studies discussing the association between important modifiable factors, known as CR proxies (i.e., educational attainment, occupational complexity, physical activity, social engagement, bilingualism, leisure activities, and Mediterranean diet), and different domains of cognitive function, which are affected either in the process of healthy aging or neurodegenerative diseases.

The effects of the BAILAMOS Dance Program on hippocampal volume in older Latinos: a randomized controlled pilot study

Hippocampal atrophy is associated with cognitive decline. Physical activity (PA) can reverse the hippocampal loss. This study investigated the effects of the 4 month BAILAMOS dance program on hippocampal volume and self-reported PA in Latinos. Participants were randomized to the BAILAMOS dance program or waitlist control group (N = 14, n = 10 intervention, n = 4 waitlist, 67 ± 6.1 years old, 70% female). Hippocampal volumes were derived from Magnetic Resonance Imaging whole-brain T1-weighted images. Participants self-reported PA through the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors Physical Activity Questionnaire for older adults. There were no statistically significant changes in hippocampal volume preintervention to postintervention (F[1, 8] = .077, p = .79, d = .05) and no associations between PA change and hippocampal volume (F[4, 13] = .71, p = .61). However, dance participants self-reported more PA (d = .54) compared to the control. These findings demonstrate that the BAILAMOS dance program did not decrease hippocampal atrophy; however, it increased self-reported PA. Future studies should include longer and more cognitively demanding interventions to determine whether dance can reduce cognitive decline through hippocampal changes.

A Pilot randomized clinical trial of adapted tango to improve cognition and psychosocial function in African American women with family history of Alzheimer's disease (ACT trial)

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the adapted tango intervention was very well received as demonstrated by minimal participant attrition, satisfaction questionnaires that indicated high satisfaction, and anecdotal reports.

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Adapted tango intervention may be helpful in controlling or reducing markers of inflammation in AA women with a parental history of AD.

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Participants in tango demonstrated improvements in whole-body spatial cognition and short-term and working memory, and reduced deterioration of executive function.

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Although our tango group did not show large positive effect in cumulative caregiver burden post intervention, the large positive effect in role Captivity, caregiver confidence, and deprivation of intimate exchange displays some of the positive effects of this dance intervention for the caregivers.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating, progressive neurodegenerative disease resulting in memory loss and a severe reduction in the ability to perform activities of daily living. Ethnicity-related genetic factors promoting the development of dementias among African Americans (AA) and increased risk among women for developing AD indicates that AA women with a parental history of AD are at great risk for developing AD. This phase I study assessed the impact of a 12 week, 20-lesson adapted Argentine Tango intervention (n = 24) to a no-contact control group (n = 10) on measures of plasma inflammatory markers, cognition, and motor and psychosocial performance in middle-aged AA woman at increased risk for AD by virtue of parental history. Some woman (n = 16) were also caregivers; thus, the impact of the intervention on caregiving burden was examined in this subset. Preliminary analysis of efficacy was conducted with significance tests on biomarkers and key measures of cognition, including visuospatial and executive function, balance, and strength. After 12 weeks, Tango participants had significantly decreased inflammatory cytokine, including reductions in IL-7 (p = 0.003), IFN-γ (p = 0.011), TNFα (p = 0.011), and MCP-1 (p = 0.042) compared to controls. Large effects were noted for the Tango group on tests of executive functioning (d = 0.89), and inhibition (p = 0.031). Participants in Tango improved in dynamic and static balance (p = 0.018) and functional lower body strength (p = 0.023). Secondary assessment revealed trends favoring the intervention group were noted in spatial cognition and executive function. Moderate effects were noted in caregiving burden measures among the subset of caregivers. These data demonstrate substantial reductions in inflammatory biomarkers along with cognitive and motor improvements through a non-pharmacologic, affordable intervention among a small, well-characterized cohort of AA women with a parental history of AD.

Does dance counteract age-related cognitive and brain declines in middle-aged and older adults? A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Dance is a multidomain activity that combines aerobic, coordination and cognitive exercise. This music-associated physical and cognitive exercise is a leisure activity that motivates people, elicits emotions, and avoids boredom, promoting adherence to practice. Continuing physical activity is of paramount importance, since cognitive benefits tend to disappear or even reverse when training ceases.

OBJECTIVE

The question we addressed in this systematic review is what influence dance has on the brain and cognition of healthy middle-aged and older adults.

LITERATURE SURVEY

We systematically reviewed the effects of dance on brain and cognition in older adults using MEDLINE, Psyc-Info, PubMed and Scopus databases.

METHODOLOGY

After screening 1051 studies, thirty-five met the eligibility inclusion criteria. These studies showed that dance improves brain structure and function as well as physical and cognitive functions.

CONCLUSIONS

The protective effect of dance training on cognition in older adults, together with the possibility of adapting intensity and style to suit possible physical limitations makes this activity very suitable for older adults.

Promotion of Street-Dance Training on the Executive Function in Preschool Children

Executive function is the center of cognitive function, emotional function, and social function, and plays an important role in children’s cognitive development. Previous studies used music, sports, and other training methods to promote the development of children’s executive function. but researchers are still exploring more comprehensive and effective training methods. Street-dance, as a comprehensive dance form integrating the characteristics of movement, music, rhythm, and so on, needs the coordination of individual sensory systems and a sense of musical rhythm and action. These are the same activity elements found in previous studies that can improve the individual executive function of children. In order to investigate the promoting effect of street-dance training on children’s executive function, this study designed a street-dance training program integrating the characteristics of each component of executive function. Sixty preschool children around the age of four (M = 52.4, SD = 3.95) participated using the pretest-posttest experimental design. The dancing group conducted street-dance training 3 times a week, 40–50 min each time for a total of 24 times; the control group did not train. We discovered that 8 weeks of street-dance training can promote the development of executive function in preschool children, and we discussed about the potential mechanism of the street dance training effects and the implications of intervention programs.

Dance for People with Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

In recent years, several reviews have addressed the effectiveness of dance therapy in dementia, healthy older adults, or the elderly in general. However, reviews regarding the effect of this therapy exclusively on patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease have not been found.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to review the available literature describing clinical trials which explore the effects of dancing on psychological and physical outcomes, functionality, cognitive function, and quality of life in patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. In addition, this review aims to assess the quality of studies that perform dance therapy interventions in these patients.

METHODS

This study is a systematic review of randomized and non-randomized clinical trials regarding the effect of intervention including a dancing activity in people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

RESULTS

In total, the evidence for this review rests on 12 studies with a total of 349 participants. The findings of this mini-review confirm the positive effect of dance therapy on physical and cognitive function, functionality, psychological outcomes, and quality of life in people with Alzheimer's disease.

CONCLUSION

Most of the studies implementing dance as part of the therapeutic treatment has shown to improve or slow the worsening in the quality of life of patients with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. Future research focused on these patients should use a more exhaustive methodology and make a more detailed description of these kind of interventions.

The Impact of Physical Activities on Cognitive Performance among Healthy Older Individuals

The population is aging in developed countries. This aging process results in many changes, both physical and mental. Over the years, there has been a gradual decline in the level of cognitive functions closely related to the ageing process, which is most often connected with ageing diseases such as dementia. So far, pharmacological treatment has not yet been able to cure this neurological disorder. Health policies around the world seek to find alternative programs and strategies to help a healthy population prevent cognitive decline and prolong active life. One such strategy appears to be physical activity. The aim of this review is to discuss the impact of physical activity on cognitive performance among healthy older individuals. The methodology of this study is based on a systematic electronic literature search of available studies found in three databases: PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus. The findings suggest that any physical activity in older age seems to have a positive impact on the improvement of cognitive function. Furthermore, it appears that dancing, due to its multiple mechanisms, might have the biggest effect on the enhancement of cognitive performance in healthy older individuals. However, controlled clinical trials of physical activity intervention in older adults are rare. Therefore, further research in this area (particularly on the amount of physical activity, its intensity and type) is needed.

Multiyear Square Dancing Is Associated With Superior Mental Processing Capacity But Not Memory in Middle-Aged and Older Chinese Women: A Cross-Sectional Propensity Score Matching Analysis

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests the importance of physical activity and social engagement in cognitive preservation. Group-based dancing combining exercise and prosocial features may generate physical and cognitive benefits.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association between multiyear habitual square dancing and domain-specific cognitive function, and assess the relative importance and joint impact of physical activity and social activity on cognition.

METHODS

Using the cross-sectional propensity score matching method, the study compared the mental status, episodic memory, and overall cognitive performances of 145 amateur female square-dancing participants (aged ≥45 y) to their sociodemographic- and health-status-matched 222 nondancing counterparts, selected from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study.

RESULTS

The authors found a positive association between multiyear square dancing (average 8 y) and overall cognitive performances (mean difference = 2.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65 to 4.02), which was apparent in processing capacity (2.29; 95% CI, 1.51 to 3.07) but not in memory (0.55; 95% CI, -0.13 to 1.23). The hypothesized synergic effect of physical activity and social activity on cognition was only observed in group-based exercises embodying these 2 components simultaneously.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term square dancing as one type of physically and socially engaging activities may preserve cognition. Future longitudinal and interventional studies are needed to further clarify the causal relationship.

Cognition and Daily Functioning: Results from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (SOL) and Study of Latinos-Investigation of Neurocognitive Aging (SOL-INCA)

BACKGROUND

Among older adults, poorer cognitive functioning has been associated with impairments in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). However, IADL impairments among older Hispanics/Latinos is poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the relationships between cognition and risk for IADL impairment among diverse Hispanics/Latinos.

METHODS

Participants included 6,292 community-dwelling adults from the Study of Latinos - Investigation of Neurocognitive Aging, an ancillary study of 45+ year-olds in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. Cognitive data (learning, memory, executive functioning, processing speed, and a Global cognitive composite) were collected at Visit 1. IADL functioning was self-reported 7 years later, and treated as a categorical (i.e., risk) and continuous (i.e., degree) measures of impairment. Survey two-part models (mixture of logit and generalized linear model with Gaussian distribution) and ordered logistic regression tested the associations of cognitive performance (individual tests and composite z-score) with IADL impairment. Additionally, we investigated the moderating role of age, sex, and Hispanic/Latino background on the association between cognition and IADL impairment.

RESULTS

Across all cognitive measures, poorer performance was associated with higher odds of IADL impairment 7 years later. Associations were generally stronger for the oldest group (70+ years) relative to the youngest group (50-59 years). Sex and Hispanic/Latino background did not modify the associations. Across the full sample, lower scores on learning, memory, and the Global cognitive composite were also associated with higher degree of IADL impairment.

CONCLUSION

Across diverse Hispanics/Latinos, cognitive health is an important predictor of everyday functioning 7 years later, especially in older adulthood.

The Aerobic and Cognitive Exercise Study (ACES) for Community-Dwelling Older Adults With or At-Risk for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): Neuropsychological, Neurobiological and Neuroimaging Outcomes of a Randomized Clinical Trial

Prior research has found that cognitive benefits of physical exercise and brain health in older adults may be enhanced when mental exercise is interactive simultaneously, as in exergaming. It is unclear whether the cognitive benefit can be maximized by increasing the degree of mental challenge during exercise. This randomized clinical trial (RCT), the Aerobic and Cognitive Exercise Study (ACES) sought to replicate and extend prior findings of added cognitive benefit from exergaming to those with or at risk for mild cognitive impairment (MCI). ACES compares the effects of 6 months of an exer-tour (virtual reality bike rides) with the effects of a more effortful exer-score (pedaling through a videogame to score points). Fourteen community-dwelling older adults meeting screening criteria for MCI (sMCI) were adherent to their assigned exercise for 6 months. The primary outcome was executive function, while secondary outcomes included memory and everyday cognitive function. Exer-tour and exer-score yielded significant moderate effects on executive function (Stroop A/C; d's = 0.51 and 0.47); there was no significant interaction effect. However, after 3 months the exer-tour revealed a significant and moderate effect, while exer-score showed little impact, as did a game-only condition. Both exer-tour and exer-score conditions also resulted in significant improvements in verbal memory. Effects appear to generalize to self-reported everyday cognitive function. Pilot data, including salivary biomarkers and structural MRI, were gathered at baseline and 6 months; exercise dose was associated with increased BDNF as well as increased gray matter volume in the PFC and ACC. Improvement in memory was associated with an increase in the DLPFC. Improved executive function was associated with increased expression of exosomal miRNA-9. Interactive physical and cognitive exercise (both high and low mental challenge) yielded similarly significant cognitive benefit for adherent sMCI exercisers over 6 months. A larger RCT is needed to confirm these findings. Further innovation and clinical trial data are needed to develop accessible, yet engaging and effective interventions to combat cognitive decline for the growing MCI population.

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02237560

Child Temperament, Maternal Feeding Practices, and Parenting Styles and Their Influence on Obesogenic Behaviors in Hispanic Preschool Children

Although obesogenic behaviors (physical activity and/or sedentary behavior and dietary intake) are known predictors of childhood weight status, little is known about mother and child behaviors contributing to obesogenic behaviors and obesity in Hispanic preschool children, whose obesity rate is higher than in non-Hispanic Whites and non-Hispanic Blacks. The purpose of this cross-sectional, descriptive study was to examine relationships among child temperament, maternal behaviors (feeding practices and parenting style), child obesogenic behaviors, and child weight status in 100 Hispanic preschool children. Results showed that higher scores on the negative affectivity dimension of child temperament were associated with higher scores on the dimension of permissive parenting, and permissive parenting was associated with less time spent in sedentary behaviors (B = -3.53, confidence interval [-7.52, -0.90]). Findings can guide school nurses in developing interventions that consider child temperament and parenting style to promote nonobesogenic behavior in Hispanic preschoolers.