Posted on December 17^th, 2024
Dance therapy, also known as dance/movement therapy (DMT), is an alternative therapy that uses movement and dance to promote emotional, cognitive, physical, and social integration. While it may seem unconventional, dance therapy offers a unique and comprehensive approach to supporting individuals with dementia and Alzheimer's disease 1. These conditions, which affect millions worldwide 2, cause a decline in cognitive function, memory, and overall well-being. Dance therapy offers a beacon of hope by providing a non-pharmacological approach to managing these conditions and improving the quality of life for those affected.

How Does Dance Therapy Help Dementia and Alzheimer's Patients?

Dance therapy provides a unique and comprehensive approach to supporting individuals with dementia and Alzheimer's. It focuses on nonverbal communication and mindfulness, which are crucial for those experiencing cognitive decline and language difficulties 1. Individuals with dementia often experience memory loss and may become disoriented in space and time. This disorientation may provoke fear and isolation and lead to a fragmented sense of self. Group dance provides a sense of connection that may ease the challenge of spatial disorientation 3. The rhythmic movements involved in dance therapy can stimulate various areas of the brain, including those associated with memory, coordination, and attention 4. This stimulation can lead to improved cognitive function and memory recall. Rhythmic movements, especially when accompanied by music, can synchronize brainwaves, leading to a state of focused attention and enhanced cognitive processing 5. Moreover, dance therapy provides a structured and predictable environment that can reduce anxiety, agitation, and depression, which are common symptoms of dementia 5.

The benefits of dance therapy extend beyond cognitive and emotional well-being. It can also enhance social interaction and self-expression 1. By engaging in group dance sessions, individuals with dementia can connect with others, reducing feelings of isolation and promoting a sense of community 4. Dance therapy also encourages self-expression through movement, allowing individuals to communicate their emotions and experiences nonverbally 6. It offers a medium of expression for older adults with declining verbal abilities 3.

Implementing Dance Therapy for Dementia and Alzheimer's Patients

Dance therapy sessions for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer's are typically conducted in a supportive and inclusive environment. The therapist facilitates movement and nonverbal communication, encouraging participants to express themselves freely and connect with others 6.

Person-Centered Care in Dance Therapy

Dance therapy in the context of dementia lies very much within a person-centered value system, which is about acknowledging and supporting the personhood of the person with dementia 7. It is not about teaching dance or a predetermined set of exercises but about engaging with the person with dementia where he or she is and facilitating a “conversation” in whatever way is possible for the person.

The sessions may involve various activities, including:

Movement Activities

Warm-up exercises: Gentle movements to prepare the body for dance.
Improvised movement: Spontaneous and creative expression through dance.
Collaborative exercises: Partner or group activities that promote coordination and social interaction.

Music and Sensory Elements

Music and rhythm: Using music to enhance mood and facilitate movement.
Props: Scarves and other props can be used to encourage movement and interaction.

Therapeutic Techniques

Reminiscence therapy: Incorporating familiar music and movements to evoke memories and emotions.

The type of dance used in therapy can vary depending on the individual's needs and preferences. It may include elements of ballroom dancing, folk dance, tango, or creative movement 8. Therapists engage with the person with dementia through creative movement and dance, voice, music, and music-making, props (e.g., scarves), and at times social dance (such as old-time, Australian bush dance – and even rock 'n' roll!) – whatever works, whatever allows connection 7. The key is to create a safe and enjoyable experience that promotes engagement and self-expression.

Types of Dance Movement Therapy

There are different forms of dance movement therapy, each with its theoretical foundations and approaches. Some of the common forms include:

Laban-based dance movement therapy: This approach emphasizes the analysis of movement qualities and their relationship to personal expression and communication.
Chacian dance movement therapy: This form draws on the work of Marian Chace and focuses on the use of rhythmic movement and improvisation to promote emotional expression and integration.
Authentic Movement: This approach involves moving spontaneously and authentically, allowing inner feelings and impulses to guide the movement.

These different forms of dance movement therapy can be applied in various ways to address the specific needs of individuals with dementia 9.

Testimonials and Case Studies

While research on dance therapy for dementia and Alzheimer's is ongoing, numerous testimonials and case studies highlight its positive impact. One notable example is Terry Hall, a 71-year-old retired postroom worker with Alzheimer's, who found a new lease on life through dance therapy 10. His wife, Jean, shared that Terry, who no longer enjoys his old hobbies, loves attending weekly dance sessions and finds the experience enjoyable and beneficial.

Another study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that dancing was the only physical activity associated with a lower risk of dementia in people over 75 11. This study suggests that dance may protect against dementia, highlighting its potential as a preventative measure.

Potential Benefits of Dance Therapy

Dance therapy offers a wide range of potential benefits for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer's, including:

Improved cognitive function: Enhanced memory, attention, and cognitive processing 5.
Reduced anxiety and depression: Alleviation of negative emotions and improved mood 5.
Increased social interaction: Enhanced communication and connection with others 1.
Improved physical well-being: Increased mobility, balance, and coordination 8. Dance involves rhythmic movements of the limbs and trunk, and music provides external cues that facilitate movement. Music and dancing have been shown to encourage patients to develop attention, rhythm, coordination, balance, and self-perception of the body in space.
Enhanced self-expression: Nonverbal communication and emotional release 1.
Increased quality of life: Overall well-being and enjoyment 12. Another study of residents with mild to moderate cognitive impairment at care homes had a combined dance (as...source studies have reported mixed results regarding its effectiveness in improving cognitive function and reducing neuropsychiatric symptoms 13. Additionally, access to qualified dance therapists may be limited in some areas.

Finding Dance Therapy Programs

Several resources are available for those interested in exploring dance therapy for themselves or a loved one. Here's a table summarizing some potential options:

| County | Resources | Description |

Works Cited

1. Dancing through Dementia: The Benefits of Dance Therapy for People Living with Alzheimer's, accessed December 17, 2024, https://thewomensalzheimersmovement.org/dancing-through-dementia/

2. Dance movement therapy for dementia - PMC - PubMed Central, accessed December 17, 2024, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6464250/

3. Psychophysiological Effects of Dance Movement Therapy and Physical Exercise on Older Adults With Mild Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trial | The Journals of Gerontology - Oxford Academic, accessed December 17, 2024, https://academic.oup.com/psychsocgerontology/article/75/3/560/5211555

4. Can Dancing Prevent Alzheimer's Disease? - Bethesda Health Group, accessed December 17, 2024, https://bethesdahealth.org/blog/can-dancing-prevent-alzheimers-disease/

5. Therapeutic Benefits of Dance and Music Therapy in Dementia Care - Voise Foundation, accessed December 17, 2024, https://www.voisefoundation.org/benefits-of-dance-and-music-therapy/

6. DMT with Alzheimer's Disease - American Dance Therapy Association, accessed December 17, 2024, https://www.adta.org/assets/docs/DMT-with-Alzheimers-Disease.pdf

7. Dance Therapy in Dementia, accessed December 17, 2024, https://dtaa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/H.-Hill-DTAA-Journal-9-1-HHill.pdf

8. Effect of Dance Therapy on the Physical Abilities of Older Adults with Dementia: A Systematic Review - European Journal of Geriatrics and Gerontology, accessed December 17, 2024, https://ejgg.org/articles/effect-of-dance-therapy-on-the-physical-abilities-of-older-adults-with-dementia-a-systematic-review/doi/ejgg.galenos.2021.2021-8-2

9. Dance movement therapy for dementia - Karkou, V - 2017 | Cochrane Library, accessed December 17, 2024, https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD011022.pub2/full

10. A dance programme set up by a physiotherapist brings people with dementia together, accessed December 17, 2024, https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/publications-and-factsheets/dementia-together-magazine/dance-programme-set-physiotherapist-brings-people-dementia-together

11. Dance, Dementia, and Alzheimer's- Unveiling the connection! | by Shweta Gupta | Medium, accessed December 17, 2024, https://shwetag1907.medium.com/dance-dementia-and-alzheimers-unveiling-the-connection-0ee79c8927cf

12. Dementia - and the benefits of dance - Dr Amy Gajjar, accessed December 17, 2024, https://dramygajjar.com/dementia-and-the-benefits-of-dance/

13. Dance movement therapy for dementia - PubMed, accessed December 17, 2024, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37549216/