Effects of dance on cognitive function in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background dance is a mind–body activity that stimulates neuroplasticity. We explored the effect of dance on cognitive function in older adults. Methods we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and PsycInfo databases from inception to August 2020 (PROSPERO:CRD42017057138). Inclusion criteria were (i) randomised controlled trials (ii) older adults (aged ≥ 55 years), (iii) intervention—dance and (iv) outcome—cognitive function. Cognitive domains were classified with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 Neurocognitive Framework. Meta-analyses were performed in RevMan5.3 and certainty of evidence with GradePro. Results we reviewed 3,997 records and included 11 studies (N = 1,412 participants). Seven studies included only healthy older adults and four included those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Dance interventions varied in frequency (1–3×/week), time (35–60 minutes), duration (3–12 months) and type. We found a mean difference (MD) = 1.58 (95% confidence interval [CI) = 0.21–2.95) on the Mini Mental State Examination for global cognitive function (moderate-certainty evidence), and the Wechsler Memory Test for learning and memory had an MD = 3.02 (95% CI = 1.38–4.65; low-certainty evidence). On the Trail Making Test-A for complex attention, MD = 3.07 (95% CI = −0.81 to 6.95; high-certainty evidence) and on the Trail Making Test-B for executive function, MD = −4.12 (95% CI = −21.28 to 13.03; moderate-certainty evidence). Subgroup analyses did not suggest consistently greater effects in older adults with MCI. Evidence is uncertain for language, and no studies evaluated social cognition or perceptual–motor function. Conclusions dance probably improves global cognitive function and executive function. However, there is little difference in complex attention, and evidence also suggests little effect on learning and memory. Future research is needed to determine the optimal dose and if dance results in greater cognitive benefits than other types of physical activity and exercise.

Effects of Dance Interventions on Cognition, Psycho-Behavioral Symptoms, Motor Functions, and Quality of Life in Older Adult Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

“…Studies have shown that dance intervention, as a cognitive stimulus, can stimulate different neural structures to improve various cognitive domains. Subjects can simultaneously learn and memorize new movement patterns, pay attention to follow instructions, execute complex movement patterns, and express emotions and social interactions to stimulate the neural structures that rely on various cognitive functions and improve their neuroplasticity (Hewston et al, 2021 ). However, another dance intervention study for patients with MCI has found that after 3 months of moderate-intensity aerobic dance, the patients' executive function did not improve significantly (Zhu et al, 2018 ).…”

“…The influence of dance intervention on patients with MCI is mainly manifested in the following aspects: cognition, psycho-behavioral symptoms, motor functions, and QOL. Systematic reviews have been published on the effect of dance intervention on patients with MCI; current systematic reviews have reached a consensus on the positive effect of dance intervention on global cognition (Chan et al, 2020 ; Meng et al, 2020 ; Zhu et al, 2020 ; Hewston et al, 2021 ; Muiños and Ballesteros, 2021 ). Chan et al have found (Chan et al, 2020 ) that dance can improve the memory function of the older patients with MCI; the study by Zhu et al confirmed this (Zhu et al, 2020 ).…”

Filipino Multicomponent Intervention to Maintain Cognitive Performance in High-Risk Population (FINOMAIN): Study Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Promisingly, a well-designed RCT demonstrated through structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that dancing has superior positive long-term effects on neuroplasticity compared with repetitive or routine exercise. This study was conducted among cognitively healthy older adults (18)(19)(20); thus, the benefits of dance on brain and cognition for older adults with MCI remains to be studied (21). Dance is a mind and body activity, which is demonstrated to improve global cognitive and executive function (21,22), as well as improve balance (18,20), the major control center for which is the cerebellum.…”

“…This study was conducted among cognitively healthy older adults ( 18 – 20 ); thus, the benefits of dance on brain and cognition for older adults with MCI remains to be studied ( 21 ). Dance is a mind and body activity, which is demonstrated to improve global cognitive and executive function ( 21 , 22 ), as well as improve balance ( 18 , 20 ), the major control center for which is the cerebellum. Interestingly, a ground-breaking study from Chen and Desmond ( 23 ) demonstrated by using functional MRI (fMRI) that cerebellar integrity is associated with cognitive performance highlighting the critical role of cerebellum in non-motor processes expanding the study of neuroplasticity in this area of the brain when studying dance and cognition.…”

The psychometric properties of a novel task-based dance self-efficacy measure for older adult dance program participants

“…Although enthusiasm for dance as a lifestyle intervention has inspired a substantial body of efficacy trials over the past decade, evidence supporting the health benefits of dance has been mixed. For example, a recent meta-analysis examining the cognitive benefits of dance for older people reported improvements to global cognitive function, but inconsistent results across trials for executive function, and no benefit to complex attention, learning and memory (Hewston et al, 2020). Individual differences in previous dance experience, exercise behaviour (McAuley, Mailey et al, 2011), and other physical and psychological factors (Keogh et al, 2009;Stock et al, 2012) are likely to influence capacity for organised dance programs and consequently, program-related outcomes.…”