Britain is in the grip of an Alzheimer’s pandemic which shows no signs of abating. As healthcare becomes ever more sophisticated we are all living longer but at a terrible price. Currently, up to 50 million people worldwide and over 850,000 people within the UK are living with dementia, with nearly half that number being under 65 years old! It is the leading cause of disability and dependency among the elderly and affects memory, thinking, behavior and emotion. There is no cure. For any family, looking after someone with Alzheimer’s can be a lot to deal with. It then comes as no surprise to find that the option of placing their loved one in a memory care facility might be within their best interest, to get the care they deserve.
World Alzheimer’s Day, September 21st of each year, is the key day in World Alzheimer’s Month, an annual international initiative to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Masonicare at Mystic CT retirement community near Hopkinton RI has wonderful amenities along with assisted living and Alzheimer’s care. They will help with building awareness of Alzheimer’s and bringing a community together to help those that are in need.
Passion for this 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.”
Gary, 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.
Gary has brought together Sunrise Senior Living UK & 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 Senior Living UK & Gracewell Healthcare homes around the country commencing on Thursday 20th September – the day before World Alzheimer’s Day.
Gary 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 whilst also demonstrating how much pleasure dance can bring sufferers of this cruel condition. If you have someone in your family who is suffering from Alzheimer’s, you may find it to be difficult to look after them every day. With this being said, as you have their best interests at heart, maybe you’ve even considering putting them in a residential home, so they can get specialist care. If you do some research, you may find that Henrico County senior living community Cedarfield of Richmond has independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing levels of care available. This could be something worth looking into, especially if you want what’s best for your senior relative.
“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.”
Alongside Gary and will be Shaun Mcenery, who has a long-established reputation in the world of professional dance. Shaun was one of the Pro Dancers on Dancing with the Stars in the Middle East in 2014 and specialises in the Argentine Tango.
Jackie Pool, Director of Memory Care, Sunrise Senior Living UK & Gracewell Healthcare, is an award-winning dementia innovator, drawing upon 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. Jackie comments: “There will be over 1 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 from Arthur Murray Dance Studios adds: “I understand that every three seconds someone in the world develops dementia. However, thanks to Alzheimer 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.”
Alzheimer Disease International (ADI) relies on donations in order to strengthen Alzheimer associations worldwide and raise awareness about the global impact of dementia. To donate go to Twitter, #WorldAlzMonth and #WAM2017.”
The Arthur Murray Dance experience, headed up by Gary Edwards, will be performing at Sunrise of Elstree at 3pm on 20th September as a prelude to World Alzheimer’s Day on Friday 21st September.
