Improvisational Movement for People With Memory Loss and Their Caregivers

Inclusion Criteria: Age 60-85 years Adjudicated as having mild cognitive impairment or early-stage dementia of Alzheimer's, vascular, or mixed Alzheimer's/vascular type MRI compatible English speaking Have study partner who is around the person with dementia approximately 10 hours/week and is willing to be an active study partner. Able to attend bi-weekly intervention classes or come to study visits for no-contact control. Not enrolled in another interventional study for at least 3 months prior to beginning this study. Exclusion Criteria: Untreated depression Other causes of dementia (for example, frontotemporal, early onset, Lewy body or Parkinsonian dementia) Current cancer treatment or other major medical problems that might independently affect cognition or movement Other neurological disorders (e.g., Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis) Taking medication that could negatively influence safety during intervention Planned extensive travel during the study period Any reason for which the study doctor or personal physician feels the intervention is contraindicated for the participant