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Donate NowPerla Rosales-Garay, M.D., Inspires Her Community Through Exercise and Alzheimer’s Education
In the community of South Bay, San Diego, Dr. Rosales, certified in nutrition in the United States, was educating her neighbors in the Hispanic/Latino population about how to prevent coronary heart disease and hypertension. “When I started teaching a painting course, I incorporated nutritional education through the products we snacked on during the class. I found that this simple act promoted eating more fiber and less sugar and fat, which is something people who took the class have carried on with in their everyday lives.” Those classes kept evolving as Dr. Rosales met more and more people in need.

Dr. Rosales believes that music is a big part of what makes the exercise classes so enjoyable. “Class attendees recall the songs and can perform the movements based on the music they have been learning week-to-week. They have a bond with their good memories and their sad memories and find joy in all of the music. I like to say that even their neurons are dancing!” She also has had a very positive response from both the people who take the class and their care partners. “Most attendees take the class four times a week, so there is an element of repetition, a regular activity that is part of their schedules. Everyone feels like a united part of a group through music and exercise.”


Her advice for those facing the disease is simple: “Never lose hope.” With volunteers like Dr. Rosales working to educate and inform their communities, hope is very much alive.
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Las 10 Señales (content in Spanish)