Effects of dance therapy on cognitive and mental health in adults aged 55 years and older with mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background Individuals with mild cognitive impairment are at high risk of developing dementia. Dance therapy has promising applications in delaying cognitive decline. However, the effectiveness of dance therapy for older adults with mild cognitive impairment is unclear. The objective of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of dance therapy on global cognitive function, specific cognitive subdomains, quality of life, and mental health in older adults with mild cognitive impairment to enrich health management strategies for dementia. Methods Electronic databases and grey literature were searched from inception up to September 23, 2023. The language was limited to English and Chinese. Relevant studies were screened and assessed for risk of bias. A meta-analysis and subgroup analyses stratified by measurement instrument, dance type, intervention duration, and frequency were conducted using the STATA 16.0 software. This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Results Ten studies involving 984 participants aged 55 years and over who met the eligibility criteria were included. Dance therapy significantly improved global cognitive function, memory, executive function, attention, language, and mental health (i.e., depression and neuropsychiatric symptoms). However, the effects of dance therapy on processing speed, visuospatial ability, and quality of life in older adults with mild cognitive impairment remain inconclusive. Moreover, dance interventions of longer duration (> 3 months) improved global cognition more than shorter interventions. Conclusion This review reported that dance therapy was effective in improving global cognitive function, memory, executive function, attention, language, and mental health (i.e., depression and neuropsychiatric symptoms). Hence, it may be an effective non-pharmacological complementary treatment for older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

Effect of Dancing Interventions on Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Our findings align with those of previously published systematic reviews on related topics, particularly in the context of depression [23,24,[76][77][78]. However, none of these studies specifically aimed to discern whether the amelioration in depressive/anxiety symptoms could be attributed to dancing interventions or other influencing factors.…”

Evaluation of healthcare-related factors influencing mental health of Taiwanese citizens among different age groups

“…In addition to analyzing people’s mental health conditions and related influencing factors of people, it is important to compare these factors among different age groups. Age (or generation) has been one of the demographic variables that has received substantial interest in mental health research 38 , 39 . Some studies focused on a specific age group for analysis, while others compared different age groups 40 – 43 .…”

The Sound of Memory: Investigating Music Therapy’s Cognitive Benefits in Patients with Dementia—A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

“…These include pharmacological therapies, such as cholinesterase inhibitors and N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptor antagonists, which may also benefit patients experiencing behavioral symptoms [4][5][6]. Additionally, non-pharmacological approaches are employed, including cognitive therapy, behavior management, psychosocial interventions, daily living skills training, and creative therapies such as art and music [7,8].…”