Weight-Loss Outcomes from a Pilot Study of African Dance in Older African Americans.

Objective: Obesity is a risk factor for both cognitive and physical impairment in late adulthood. Though the rates of obesity are high in many groups, older African Americans are disproportionately affected. A randomized pilot intervention of African Dance was conducted with 28 African American older adults with obesity (mean age = 68.

Rhythm experience and Africana culture trial (REACT!): A culturally salient intervention to promote neurocognitive health, mood, and well-being in older African Americans.

The Rhythm Experience and Africana Culture Trial (REACT!) is a multi-site randomized controlled intervention study designed to examine the efficacy of using African Dance as a form of moderate-intensity physical activity to improve cognitive function in older African Americans. African Americans are almost two times more likely than Caucasians to experience cognitive impairment in late adulthood. This increased risk may be attributed to lower level and quality of education, lower socioeconomic status, and higher prevalence of vascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, all of which are recognized as risk factors for dementia.

The Impact of Exercise, Cognitive Activities, and Socialization on Cognitive Function: Results From the National Long-Term Care Survey.

Currently, there are no effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease and related disorders and age continues to be a robust risk factor. Thus, population aging in the United States may have catastrophic results if interventions are not found and implemented. This study examines possible associations between cognitive impairment and exercise, cognitive activities, and socialization.

Exercise and cognition: results from the National Long Term Care Survey.

Background: Age remains a robust risk factor for Alzheimer's disease as well as other dementias. Therefore, the aging of the population in the United States will result in dramatic increases in the prevalence of dementia if preventative interventions are not identified. The aim of this study was to examine potential associations between exercise and lowering the risk of cognitive impairment.