AbstractBackgroundMild cognitive impairment (MCI) is highly prevalent in older adults aged 60+ with prevalence rates of 16‐20% and one of the first cognitive expressions of Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias. Dance activates many brain regions to integrate complex movement patterns with musical and emotional expression and may lower the risk of dementia over time. We investigated the effect of 12‐weeks of GERAS DANcing for Cognition and Exercise (DANCE) on cognitive function in older adults (aged 60+) with and without cognitive impairment.MethodsGERAS DANCE is a specialised program tailored for older adults with early memory or mobility problems. It was offered across 12 YMCAs in Southern Ontario, Canada with in‐person classes 2x weekly (1‐hour each) and homework (10‐minutes daily) for a period of 12 weeks. Cognitive function was assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MOCA]. Changes in cognitive function from baseline to 12 weeks were evaluated using ANOVA [2 (Time: pre‐ post‐intervention) x 2 (Group: cognitive impairment, no cognitive impairment)].ResultA total of 106 older adults participated in the analysis (mean age = 76.12 ± 7.03, range 61 to 93 years, 81% female). Overall GERAS DANCE improved cognitive function [F(1,105) = 4.928, p = 0.029]. In older adults with cognitive impairment, the mean difference of MOCA total scores improved by 1.04 points (pre = 21.71 ± 3.34, post = 22.74 ± 4,12).ConclusionGERAS DANCE has the potential to improve or maintain cognitive function in older adults with and without dementia. Next steps include testing for efficacy of GERAS DANCE as a part of an overall approach for cognitive health and to inform clinical practice guidelines.