The Arbors of Bedford Starts Innovative Dance and Movement Program for Older Adults with Memory Loss

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-December 2014 (Bedford, NH)--The Arbors of Bedford, a specialized Memory Care community in Bedford, New Hampshire (www.arborsofbedford.com), welcomes Amber Evans, a Registered Dance/Movement Therapist for weekly multisensory movement sessions with its residents.

The community, which collaborates with The Center for Brain/Mind Medicine and The Center for Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment at Brigham & Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School focuses on applying innovative ways to treat the symptoms of memory loss and promote overall wellbeing to its residents.

Current research shows a multisensory approach that evokes the stimulation and use of various senses, can assist in the management of persons with Alzheimer’s disease. From a study by Dr. Patricia Heyn, results show an improvement in resting heart rate, overall mood, and in engagement of physical activity. A multisensory exercise approach can be beneficial for individuals with AD. (Heyn, 2003)

Evans, a graduate of Antioch University New England and Ithaca College, has experience working with individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. She stated, “I use dance and movement as a way to assist older adults in meeting personal goals, improving quality of life and enabling them to experience joy through movement, music and dance. I look to bring out the strengths of each individual and foster their zest for life.”

The movement program combines dance moves, yoga-inspired poses and breathing exercises through short, concentrated exercises that stimulate physical, mental and sensory awareness. The goal of the program is for our residents to experience an increased sense of wellbeing with improved balance and coordination, a reduction in tension, enhanced relaxation and increased social interaction.

Lori Dodge, Executive Director, commented, “I am excited to offer this cutting edge program to our residents. Our collaboration with Brigham & Women’s and Harvard allows us to keep our finger on the pulse of the advances in healthy aging and the treatment of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease through non-pharmacological interventions. Promoting healthy aging and increasing our residents’ well-being are essential parts to our community philosophy.”

The Arbors of Bedford is a specialized Memory Care neighborhood for older individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The community believes older adults should have the fullest possible sense of control over their daily lives, continue to learn, enjoy personal relationships, play a role in their own care and live meaningful lives. The Arbors of Bedford is located at 70 Hawthorne Drive in Bedford. For more information, visit www.arborsofbedford.com or call 603-647-9300.

Works Cited

Heyn, P. (2003, July/August). The effect of multisensory exercise program on engagement, behavior, and selected physiological indexes in persons with dementia. American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias, 247-251.