Pilot Randomized‐Controlled Trial of Social Ballroom Dancing in Dementia‐At‐Risk Older Adults

Executive functions (EF) such as planning, problem‐solving, and organization are often impaired in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This pilot trial examined the safety and efficacy of social ballroom dancing for improving EF in older adults at increased risk for AD and related dementias. We hypothesized that the added social and cognitive demands of ballroom dancing would lead to greater intervention‐related changes in EF than a traditional aerobic activity (treadmill‐walking) – because it furthers neuroplasticity.