Gary Edwards, presenter of US series Dancing with the Stars and the Arthur Murray Dance Troop, will support people living with Alzheimer’s in advance of World Alzheimer’s Day.
The Arthur Murray Dance Troop will showcase Latin and ballroom dances for the residents of the Sunrise of Elstree care home, while residents will join a dance class run by Gary Edwards
World Alzheimer’s Day takes place on 21 September and is the key day in World Alzheimer's Month, an annual international initiative to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Passion for the cause goes right to the very top of the famous Arthur Murray Dance empire, as vice president Wayne A Smith confirms: “Arthur Murray has a long history of supporting Alzheimer’s organisations and our studios across the world, including three in London, actively support the cause.
"Dancing is a proven rehabilitation approach to help reduce the symptoms of dementia and to this end, we have invited Gary Edwards to raise awareness of the cause.”
Edwards, winner of over 30 international dancing titles was the hot favourite to replace Len Goodman on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017. A presenter on Dancing with the Stars in the US, since retiring from competition, the 6' 4” ballroom giant has gone on become a world class judge and has launched #GetBritainDancing to promote the social and lifestyle, physical and mental health benefits of dance.
Edwards has brought together Sunrise Senior Living UK and Gracewell Healthcare to raise awareness of the cause and will be joined by the Arthur Murray dance troop when they dance with the residents of Sunrise of Elstree around the country starting on Thursday 20 September - the day before World Alzheimer's Day.
Edwards explains: “I have lost friends to Alzheimer's and it has been heart breaking to see them fade away. I want to make people aware of the importance of staying active and vital while also demonstrating how much pleasure dance can bring sufferers of this cruel condition.
"Dancing is the number one activity to enhance brain health - some may say it's even better than sudoku and crossword puzzles. It's physical, creative, social and gives your brain an all round workout.”
Jackie Pool, director of memory care, Sunrise Senior Living UK & Gracewell Healthcare, is an award winning dementia innovator, drawing on her 30 years’ specialist experience. She is currently developing a sector leading memory care strategy for Sunrise and Gracewell through the innovative concept of ‘Rementia’, focused on reversing the symptoms of early onset dementia.
Pool comments: “There will be over one million people in the UK with dementia by 2025. Social engagement is excellent for combating loneliness, reducing low mood and stimulating cognitive skills.
"To enhance this simple but effective approach with a physical activity such as dancing, multiplies the benefits. To this end, Sunrise Senior Living UK & Gracewell Healthcare include a rich and varied programme of activities for residents including dance, promoting social stimulation and confidence building."
Wayne A Smith adds: "I understand that every three seconds someone in the world develops dementia. However, thanks to associations around the world, awareness of dementia is improving. These organisations provide support to millions of people and continue to advocate for improving the quality of life for those living with dementia and their care partners."
