Impact of dance interventions on the symptoms of dementia: A mixed-methods systematic review

ABSTRACT

Objectives

This mixed-methods systematic review determined the impact of dance interventions on symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) among persons living in residential care.

Methods

Seven databases (Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Ageline, and AMED) were searched. Studies published before June 2022 that investigated the impact of dance interventions on symptoms of ADRD were eligible for inclusion. Risk of bias was assessed using CASP, ROBINS-I, and ROB-2. Quantitative and qualitative objectives provided a convergent segregate narrative synthesis for the review. The review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021220535).

Results

Two quantitative and two qualitative studies met the inclusion criteria. Dance interventions decreased levels of agitation and aggression, and improved behavioural and psychological symptoms.

Conclusions

Studies suggest that dance interventions reduce the symptoms of dementia through increased expression, emotions, and improved relationships for persons with ADRD. However, the small number of included studies limits these conclusions.

KEYWORDS:

• Dance interventions
• ADRD
• dementia
• residential care
• symptoms of dementia

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank our librarian Ms. Sarah Visintini for her constant guidance and support during the review process.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Ethical considerations

No ethics committee or institutional review board approval was required for this study as this was a review.

Additional information

Funding

This research was not supported by any public, commercial or not-for-profit sector funding.