Dementia 101: Simple, SenseAble Suggestions to Connect & EngAge
(May 2020)
Recommended by AlzAuthors!
Independently published, available in paperback and digital formats on Amazon.com
This practical and user-friendly book invites creativity, togetherness, and moments of pleasure into the dementia- care partner relationship! 101 simple, sensory-based and creative suggestions are offered using a conversational style to help inspire meaningful connection, engagement, and resiliency. Care partners (whether new to this role or not) are encouraged to mix and match these suggestions, create their own, and revisit what works best within their unique partnership, either at home or within their communities. A SenseAble dementia care companion.
Mindfulness-Based Dance/Movement Therapy Study Publications
Shim, M., Kavanaugh, M., Lacson, C., Goldstein-Levitas, N., Chang, H., Zhang, F., Palekar, N., Gonzalez, A., & Fisher, K. (2024). Connected through movement: a feasibility study of online mindfulness-based dance/movement therapy for older adults with age-related cognitive decline during COVID-19. Aging and Mental Health.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13607863.2024.2364754
Minjung Shim, Clarissa Lacson, Melissa Kavanaugh, Natasha Goldstein-Levitas, & Kathleen Fisher (2024). Online Mindful Movement Approach for Older Adults: Two Case Studies, Activities, Adaptation & Aging, DOI: 10.1080/01924788.2024.2313372
Shim, M., Goldstein-Levitas, N., Gaydos, M., Wenger, S., & Gonzalez, A. (2024). Development and feasibility of a mindfulness-based dance/movement therapy intervention for chronic low back pain. Frontiers in Pain Research.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pain-research/articles/10.3389/fpain.2024.1281085/full
One Hundred and Two Sunflowers in Bloom
(August 2023)
Independently published, available in paperback on Amazon.com
One Hundred and Two Sunflowers in Bloom pays homage to older generations, to their extraordinary and diverse lived experiences, and to their honest, relatable, and timeless messages. This motivational read, inspired by the vitality, positivity, and spiritual significance of sunflowers, offers 102 thoughtful, self-reflective prompts that support wellness, personal strength, connection, sensory engagement, and authenticity. A purposeful guide for anyone to explore and to personalize, as they continue to age and evolve.
i Advance Senior Care Interview
Natasha is honored to have been interviewed by i Advance Senior Care, to share some thoughts and strategies for developing meaningful memory care programs, and the importance of human connection and listening.
American Journal of Dance Therapy Special Social Justice Issue
Social Justice in Dance/Movement Therapy Practice, Research, and Education (December 2019)
Natasha is honored to have had her work published in the American Journal of Dance Therapy’s Special Issue: Social Justice in Dance/Movement Therapy Practice, Research, and Education (December 2019). Her article offers creative, non-pharmacologic, and cost-efficient methods, including Dance/movement therapy, that may help increase overall comfort, dignity, and quality of life for older adults with dementia-associated aggression in long-term care settings.
Caring.com
Natasha was interviewed for Caring.com‘s September 2018 article “Dance Therapy: A Counterstep for the Isolation of Dementia.”
American Journal of Dance Therapy 50th Anniversary Issue
December 2016
Natasha is honored to have had her work published in the 50th Anniversary Issue of the American Journal of Dance Therapy (December 2016). Her article offers a holistic, cost-effective, and fruitful approach to promoting quality of life in dementia care.
Delaware News Journal
Natasha is featured in a November 2016 Delaware News Journal article on the benefits of dance/movement therapy for dementia.
Using the creative therapies to cope with grief and loss.
Natasha has contributed a chapter on dance/movement therapy with aging adults living in care communities to Stephanie Brooke’s and Dorothy Miraglia’s 2015 book Using the creative therapies to cope with grief and loss.
Goldstein-Levitas, N. J. (2015). Dance/movement therapy with institutionalized older adults: an effective, holistic intervention for loss adaptation. In Brooke, S.L. & Miraglia, D.A. (Eds.), Using the creative therapies to cope with grief and loss. (pp. 263-282). Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas Publishers.
Connecting in the Land of Dementia
Natasha was interviewed by Deborah Shouse for the Dementia Journey website and for Shouse’s 2016 book, Connecting in the Land of Dementia: Creative Activities to Explore Together.
Alzheimer’s Association
Delaware Valley Chapter
Read about Natasha’s Dance/Movement Therapy Facilitation with Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter REC Center Participants.