Dancing Around Dementia
Dancing Around Dementia: Taking Steps Toward Brain Health
There are a few things we know can help keep our brains healthy as we age like exercise, social connection, learning a new skill, and creative expression. One activity combines all of these, but it might also bring back memories of early childhood embarrassment. In this episode, we explore dance as a tool for healthy aging, and why it may be one of the best things we can do for longevity.
Inside this episode
0:49 – Ballet at Any Age
Dr. Jason Karlawish explains why he began taking Vaganova ballet as an adult and the mental benefits he’s experienced.
4:11 – A Childhood Dance Disaster
Carolyn Hewson recounts her brief and traumatic first experience performing ballet and why she spent decades avoiding dance.
8:09 – The Dementia Prevention Dance Club
After experiencing the physical, cognitive, and social benefits of learning choreography, Carolyn and her fellow moms launch a monthly dance group.
9:40 – What Sets Dance Apart from Other Exercise
Dr. Julia Basso explains how dance engages multiple brain systems at once through movement, memory, rhythm, emotion, creativity, and social connection.
13:27 – Dance Movement Therapy
Dance movement therapist Natasha Goldstein-Levitis explains how therapeutic movement helps people living with dementia connect emotionally, physically, and socially.
17:05 – Dance for Parkinson's Disease
David Leventhal shares the origin story of Dance for PD, a program that began with six participants and grew into an internationally recognized model for movement and community.
20:27 – A Passion for Movement
Emily and Judy Tobey reflect on how Dance for PD became a vital source of physical activity, friendship, and purpose for their husband and father, Charlie.
24:54 – We Are Born to Dance
David Leventhal argues that dance is a fundamental part of human expression and that anyone can benefit, regardless of experience or ability.
29:34 – “There’s No Ceiling”
Dr. Karlawish discusses his favorite aspects of learning dance, including the social connection, the focus it brings him, and the chance to practice something with limitless offerings
Resources available on the episode webpage linked below
Read more about Dr. Julia Basso's Embodied Brain Lab at Virginia Tech.
Watch the documentary Capturing Grace, featuring participants from the Dance for PD program, including Charlie Tobey.
Learn more about the Tango Therapy Project.
Learn about the Time Dances program, a new dance initiative for people living with dementia developed by Dance for PD and TimeSlips.
Book private ballet lessons with Amy Novinski
Take adult classes at Philadelphia Ballet.
Special thanks to Carolyn Hewson, Dr. Julia Basso, Natasha Goldstein-Levitas, David Leventhal, Emily Tobey, Judy Tobey, Neil Godik, and today's hosts, Dr. Jason Karlawish and Jake Johnson.
The Age of Aging is a Penn Memory Center production hosted by Producer Jake Johnson and Executive Producer Jason Karlawish. Contributors include Morgann Adams, Terrence Casey, Dalia Elsaid, Holly Elser, Emily Largent, and Alison Lynn.
The Age of Aging is made possible by generous support from the Michael Naidoff Communications Hub Fund, Lena Chow, and the TIAA Institute.
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