Atrium Health and Wake Forest University School of Medicine
dance and music
appreciation study

Receive compensation and
no-cost dance or music appreciation classes

Get in touch.

for older adults experiencing
memory concerns

Join an

We are looking for older adults who have noticed a change in memory recently but have not received a medical diagnosis of memory loss and are physically able to complete exercise testing.

All study participants will be assigned to either dance or music appreciation classes and will also receive compensation.

Why Participate?

  • Enjoy a no-cost dance or music appreciation program
  • Receive up to $350
  • Meet like-minded people who appreciate dance and music
  • Potentially improve your fitness and brain health

What is Involved?

  • Random assignment to attend either dance or music appreciation classes
  • Up to 3 one-hour classes each week for 6 months
  • Follow-up visit after one year
  • Dance classes will include warm up exercises and learning different styles of dance from expert instructors
  • Music appreciation classes will include learning about and discussing different forms of music

Eligibility

People of all genders and ethnic backgrounds may be eligible to participate if they:

  • Are age 64 or older
  • Are concerned about their memory, but do not have a medical diagnosis of memory loss
  • Have been doing less than 90 minutes of exercise a week including walking, for the past 6 months
  • Are not currently taking dance classes
  • Are able to complete an MRI scan
  • Able and willing to complete exercise testing
  • Speak English (due to group classes)
Get in touch.

If interested in participating
or learning more, please click
on the Get In Touch button
to answer a few screening
questions and provide us with
contact information.

Principal Investigators:

Christina Hugenschmidt PhD
Associate Professor,
Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine,
Wake Forest University School of Medicine

Phone: 336-713-6683
Email: igroove@wakehealth.edu

Researchers at Atrium Health and Wake Forest University School of Medicine are studying the effects of music and dance on physical and brain health in older adults who are concerned about their memory.

Receive compensation and
no-cost dance or music appreciation classes


Christina Soriano MFA
Vice Provost of the Arts, Associate Professor,
Department of Theatre and Dance,
Wake Forest University

Principal Investigators:

Christina Hugenschmidt PhD
Associate Professor,
Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine,
Wake Forest University School of Medicine

Christina Soriano MFA
Vice Provost of the Arts, Associate Professor,
Department of Theatre and Dance,
Wake Forest University

Phone: 336-713-6683
Email: 
igroove@wakehealth.edu