Feasibility of a Latin Dance Program for Older Latinos With Mild Cognitive Impairment

Susan Aguiñaga, David X. Marquez

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study investigates the feasibility of a Latin dance program in older Latinos with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) via a feasibility mixed methods randomized controlled design. Spanish-speaking older Latinos (N = 21, 75.4 [6.3] years old, 16 females/5 males, 22.4 [2.8] Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE] score) were randomized into a 16-week dance intervention (BAILAMOS) or wait-list control; the control group crossed over at week 17 and received the dance intervention. Feasibility was determined by assessing reach, retention, attendance, dance logs, and postintervention focus groups. Reach was 91.3% of people who were screened and eligible. Program retention was 95.2%. The dropout rate was 42.8% (n = 9), and attendance for all participants was 55.76%. The focus group data revealed 4 themes: enthusiasm for dance, positive aspects of BAILAMOS, unfavorable aspects of BAILAMOS, and physical well-being after BAILAMOS. In conclusion, older Latinos with MCI find Latin dance as an enjoyable and safe mode of physical activity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)479-488
Number of pages10
JournalAmerican Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementias
Volume32
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2017

Keywords

  • dance interventions
  • day care centers
  • mild cognitive impairment
  • minorities
  • physical activity interventions

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neuroscience(all)
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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