Dance therapy and cognitive impairment in older people: A review of clinical data

Abstract

The growing interest for nonpharmacological treatment alternatives to older people with mild cognitive impairment or dementia has increased exponentially for the past few years; in this context, dance therapy is an effective therapeutic tool in improving the cognition of older people. The aim of this study was to verify whether dance therapy is a viable tool in promoting benefits with regard to the cognition and mood of older people with cognitive impairment. A database search covering the past 10 years was carried out. Result: The search found 193 papers; after title, abstract, and duplicity analysis, 14 of those were selected, of which 10 were fully revised. The studies showed positive results regarding the improvement of cognitive function after dance stimulations, as well as beneficial effects on the mood of older people with cognitive impairment.

Mobile brain imaging in butoh dancers: from rehearsals to public performance

“…Dance-movement therapy is the use of creative movement (48) as a healing tool rooted in the inseparable connection between the body and the mind, with concepts of embodiment and attunement affecting human behavior –psychologically, physically, and socially (49). The therapeutic effect of dance is reported as a modality for health and wellness across the lifespan, including for motor development in children in general (50), with Down syndrome (51), cerebral palsy (52), and developmental cerebellar anomalies (53), through the elderly for successful aging, for markers including fitness, functional balance, mobility control (51–53), and cognition (54). Overall, dance-movement therapy and dance leads to psychological health outcomes including decreasing depression and anxiety, increasing quality of life, and expanding interpersonal and cognitive skills (55).…”

Exercise therapy of mild cognitive impairment: EEG could enhance efficiency

“…Even though new exercise therapies combined two modes showed great potential, some non-negligible limitations are still needed to be solved. For instance, personalized treatment plans and standardized protocols for dance training are not yet fully developed (Menezes et al, 2022 ; Rosenberg et al, 2023 ). The ideal intensity, frequency, and suitable dance styles for dance training are still uncertain (Bracco et al, 2021 ).…”