Looking for an effective strategy to improve dementia symptoms? Try dance therapy

By Ashley Day 

Dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by the decline of mental function, behavior, and daily life activities. There are many diseases, both common and uncommon, that are under the dementia umbrella. For example, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome are all considered dementia disorders. 

Why is this important?

It is estimated that there are over 50 million people worldwide living with dementia today, and there are almost 10 million new cases every year. There is currently no cure for this disease so finding ways to manage or better the symptoms is critical. Finding the best care for dementia is important to improve quality of life for both the individual effected and their loved ones. It is essential to attempt to manage these symptoms with a natural approach before using medications that could further complicate other pre-existing medical conditions in some patients.

What is dance movement therapy?

Dance therapy combines physical exercise with therapeutic components such as music and creativity. This makes it an extremely stimulating activity that can be done in a variety of different ways and settings. Residents have shown high engagement in these types of activities which makes them an ideal option for dementia symptom management. Researchshows that dance movement therapy can improve many symptoms associated with dementia. Furthermore, when compared to traditional exercise, dance movement therapy proved to be significantly more effective and enjoyable for residents. They see it as a fun, social activity and less like work. Because dance movement therapy stimulates different areas of the brain, it improves many different symptoms of dementia. 

4 Major Benefits to dance movement therapy:

1.    Improved motor symptoms

·     Dance movement therapy can increase range of motion, strength, balance, and mobility.

2.    Improved cognitive symptoms 

·     It can improve memory and language abilities. 

3.    Improved emotional symptoms 

·     This can include decreased agitation, depression, anxiety, and daytime fatigue. Dance movement therapy can also increase residents’ self-esteem.

4.    Improved social relationships 

·     Dance movement therapy has been shown to increase the bond between residents, care staff, and family members. Furthermore, the benefits have been linkedto decreased care-giver stress and burden. 

Practical applications:

The great thing about dance is that you really don’t need any equipment besides music. Clear the floor in a large room and you are good to go! Different styles of music and dance can be used based on residents’ interests. Waltz, tango, and aerobic/Zumba styles of dance are all effective and enjoyable. Some tips to consider: 

·     Involve care teams! Studiesshow that involving staff members of nursing homes in dance therapy can increase bonds between staff and resident, as well as increase job satisfaction. 

·     Use different styles of dance! Using partner styles such as ballroom, tango, or waltz can provide a source of physical support for the resident, physical contact stimuli, and direct social interaction. Aerobic or Zumba styles of dance are also enjoyable and can be easily adapted for residents who cannot stand on their own.

·     Use music they grew up with! Using music the residents are familiar with can increase participation and enjoyment. 

·     Provide it 2-3 times a week to make it routine and accommodate all schedules. From my experience in a nursing home many residents have different care schedules and can’t make it to all activities. They appreciate when things are offered multiple times a week so they can participate too and feel included. 

Additional Resources: 

·     A quick over-view of dance therapy (video):

o  Dance Therapy for Dementia

·     Music ideas to use in practice: 

o  Music Seniors Love: Top Songs For Every Generation

·     Chair Zumba, a way to include all residents (video):

o  Flash mob seniors, Senior Exercise Class

·     For those seeking further information from Susanna Lembeck-Edens, Board Certified Dance Movement Therapist. 

o  Dance/Movement Therapy

About the Author:

Ashley Day is a Movement Science major concentrating in Sports Medicine at Westfield State University. She also works as a dance teacher at Dancer’s Image and as a recreation assistant at Genesis Healthcare. She is expected to graduate in December of 2019 and is planning to continue her education in a Doctor of Physical Therapy program. 

Sources:  

Duignan, D., Hedley, L., & Milverton, R. (2009). Exploring dance as a therapy for symptoms 

and social interaction in a dementia care unit. Nursing Times, 105(30), 19-22.

Guzmán, A., Robinson, L., Rochester, L., Hughes, J. C., & James, I. A. (2017). A process 

evaluation of a Psychomotor Dance Therapy Intervention (DANCIN) for behavior change in dementia: attitudes and beliefs of participating residents and staff. International Psychogeriatrics, 29(3), 313-322. 

Ruiz-Muelle, A., & López-Rodríguez, M. (2019). Dance for people with Alzheimer's disease: 

A mini-review. Current Alzheimer Research, 16, 1-15.