title: Regular Latin Dancing and Health Education May Improve Cognition of Late Middle-Aged and Older Latinos.
abstract: Disparities exist between Latinos and non-Latino Whites in cognitive function. Dance is culturally appropriate and challenges individuals physically and cognitively, yet the impact of regular dancing on cognitive function in older Latinos has not been examined. A two-group pilot trial was employed among inactive, older Latinos. Participants (N = 57) participated in the BAILAMOS©dance program or a health education program. Cognitive test scores were converted to z-scores and measures of global cognition and specific domains (executive function, episodic memory, working memory) were derived. Results revealed a group × time interaction for episodic memory (p < .05), such that the dance group showed greater improvement in episodic memory than the health education group. A main effect for time for global cognition (p < .05) was also demonstrated, with participants in both groups improving. Structured Latin dance programs can positively influence episodic memory, and participation in structured programs may improve overall cognition among older Latinos.
authors.forename: David X
authors.initials: DX
authors.lastname: Marquez
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aguiñaga
authors.forename: Priscilla
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Vásquez
authors.forename: Louis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Fogg
authors.forename: Zhi
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: JoEllen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wilbur
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hughes
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Spanbauer
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000208:ethnology / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D003614:Dance Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003615:Dancing / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D056344:Executive Function / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000502:physiology; D000073216:Mental Status and Dementia Tests; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Latinos; arts; dance; health disparities