It is estimated that more than 35 million people worldwide are currently suffering from dementia, and this number is expected to increase to more than 65 million in 2030. Now, new research suggests that dancing may have a beneficial effect on the demented brain.
Dementia, which i.e. includes Alzheimer’s, is a degenerative disease in the brain that affects the patient’s memory and behavior, and this can lead to personality changes.
Dance therapy conducted by therapists
This does not refer to ordinary ballroom dancing but rather a special treatment composed by therapists within the field of dementia. The research has shown several beneficial effects on the brain in connection with dance therapy, herein the movement, achieved through dancing, the relationship between the therapist and the patients, and last but not least, the unique abilities which only dance therapy possesses.
What is dance therapy about?
Dance therapy is not about learning a specific dance but rather about dancing to different rhythms in different tempos, whereby it is possible to stop and initiate movements. Therefore, dance therapy mainly consists of improvisation, where the patients are encouraged to come up with the dance themselves. To achieve the best result, a good relationship between the therapist and the patient is important. This is because a good relationship between the two parties has been shown to have a positive effect on the patient’s self-identity, cognitive functions and communication, which can contribute to improving changes in the patient.
What are the results of dance therapy?
Dance therapy, or dancing on a regular basis, has shown promising results on brain areas, which tend to deteriorate over time. The German study, conducted on 26 people with an average age of 68 years, even showed that the parts of the brain, which are related to memory, balance and learning, grew. The test subjects also experienced improved balance after attending the treatment for 18 months. Thus, a new form of exercise with music and dance can contribute to preventing the development of dementia in the future, while simultaneously making the treatment of dementia more motivating.
References:
1: Karkou V, Meekums, B. Dance movement therapy for dementia (Review), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2017 (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD011022.pub2/epdf)
2: http://illvid.dk/mennesket/kroppen/dans-holder-demens-fra-doeren
