Our Story: The Roots of Memory in Motion
Our initiative began with a simple observation: many families facing memory-related challenges navigate their journeys in isolation. Like many others, my interest in brain health grew from concerns about the cognitive well-being of aging parents and grandparents. Through a literature review of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) and my experience developing a youth business pitch focused on brain health, I discovered emerging scientific evidence that purposeful physical movement including dance may support cognitive function and potentially help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
As a dancer with more than a decade of training, I became inspired by the possibility of connecting my passion for dance with my growing interest in brain health. Dance is not only an art form and a physical activity but also a promising approach to promoting cognitive engagement, social connection, emotional well-being, and healthy aging. Having performed for older adults on numerous occasions, I also witnessed firsthand the joy, energy, and sense of connection that dance brought to their lives. These experiences inspired me to establish Memory in Motion, an initiative dedicated to gathering and translating scientific research into accessible, meaningful, and practical community health promotion activities.
Our team believes that a resilient community is built on access to both knowledge and support. While many existing initiatives focus primarily on memory loss and dementia care, Memory in Motion takes a multifaceted approach that integrates brain health education, research translation, community engagement, and accessible movement activities, particularly dance. By creating opportunities for learning, participation, and intergenerational connection, we aim to empower individuals and families to take proactive steps toward healthy aging and improved quality of life.
What began as small dance performances and educational sessions at senior living communities has evolved into a broader initiative offering interactive workshops, research-informed educational programs, and community partnerships. Throughout this journey, our mission has remained the same: to bridge the gap between scientific research and everyday life, making complex concepts about brain health understandable, relevant, and actionable.
At the heart of everything we do is a simple but powerful message: hope through knowledge, movement, and connection. We believe that small, meaningful actions can make a lasting difference. By raising awareness, encouraging movement, and fostering supportive communities, Memory in Motion strives to empower individuals and families while contributing to a future in which brain health and healthy aging are priorities for everyone.
Michelle Liu, Founder and President
Latest News and Updates
10/14/2026: The story of Memory in Motion initiative "Using Dance to Promote Brain Health in Elderly" was reported in a guest column of a bi-weekly newspaper Sampan.
9/26/2026: The story of Memory in Motion initiative was reported by media including singtaousa.com (an international newspaper), and bostonese.com.
9/24/2026: Michelle Liu's abstract "Early Detection of Alzheimer Disease & Related Dementia (ADRD): Impacts & Supports for Patients and Society" was accepted for presentation at the Gerontological Society of America 2026 Annual Scientific Meeting, which will be held in National Harbor, Maryland.
9/21/2026: Michelle Liu delivered another workshop at the Southborough Senior Center in Massachusetts, this time on World Alzheimer’s Day. We had a good balance of male and female participants, who asked thoughtful and insightful questions throughout the session. It was a very engaging and meaningful workshop.
8/25/2026: Our founder Michelle Liu delivered an educational workshop to promote brain health by dance activities to older adults at the Center At the Heights, connected by the Council on Aging of Town of Needham, MA. Audience asked great questions about neuro-functioning and participated in free dance lessons. The program director told Michelle that "THEY LOVED YOU!!!! WOW! Thank you so very much!"
7/23/2026 and 8/21/2026: The Memory in Motion education activities continues to spread across the state of Massachusetts. Two bi-lingual workshops about how movement such as dance can promote brain health were delivered in American Adult Health Daycare of Middlesex in Chelmsford, MA, and Gracious Home Day Health Centers in Southboro, MA. Michelle and her team Vincy Cao attracted more than 100 older adults to participate in the workshops. Everyone felt happier after the workshops.
6/23/2026: To support the June Alzheimer's Awareness Month, Michelle Liu and her team delivered a workshop showcasing scientific evidence on how movement like dance impacts brain health. This workshop was followed by a free dance lesson to the seniors at the North Hill retirement home, raising a good amount of interest. The program was referred to an assisted living center.
4/30/2026: Michelle Liu attended the 2nd International Conference of "The Science of Tai Chi and Qi Gong" deepening our physiological understanding of Mind-Body integration, hosted by Harvard Medical School. Sincere thanks to the invitation by Professor Peter Wayne, PhD, the Director for the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, jointly based Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
4/9/2026 and 3/6/2026: Michelle Liu presented research findings about early diagnosis of ADRD at the Massachusetts State Science and Engineering Fair (state and regional, respectively). She won the American Psychology Association special award.
3/31/2026: "Aging Gracefully" free dance class was kicked off at Willows Retirement Center. This project was supported by a Southboro Cultural Council grant.
2/16/2026, 2/21/2026, and 2/22/2026: Three interactive group dance lessons were delivered to three senior homes in Willows (Westboro), New Horizon (Marlboro), and North Hill (Needham) during Angel Dance Company's dance performance events.
12/13/2025: As one of the Youth Entrepreneurship Service students, Michelle Liu presented a business pitch "NeuroLens: An Early Detection and Prevention Tool of Alzheimer’s or Dementia" at the New England Chinese Information and Networking Association conference in Newton, MA, and received the "Advanture Excellence" award.
05/16/2025: Dr. Ning Zhang, a public health researcher and an Associate professor at Northeastern University, joined Memory in Motion as an Advisor in Research, and started guiding the first research project related to early diagnosis of Alzhemier's disease.
1/15/2025: Memory in Motion established its core leadership team.
1/1/2024: Ms. Ke Ke, our Advisor in Art, started serving as a mentor for youth community and leadership activities.
The Heart of Our Community Impact
Empowering lives and advancing memory health through dedicated outreach, educational workshops, and inclusive community experiences that foster resilience and hope.