160 Participants Needed

Dance Classes for Alzheimer's Disease

(IGROOVE Trial)

CH
Overseen ByChristina Hugenschmidt, PhD
Age: 65+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Wake Forest University Health Sciences
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it mentions that taking medication during the intervention times that could negatively influence safety is an exclusion criterion. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the study team.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Dance Classes for Alzheimer's Disease?

Research shows that dance therapies, like Salsa and Biodanza, can improve balance, reduce fall risk, and decrease agitated behaviors in people with Alzheimer's. These activities also enhance mood and well-being, making them promising non-drug treatments for dementia care.12345

Is dance therapy safe for people with Alzheimer's and other conditions?

Research shows that dance therapy, including Salsa and other forms, is generally safe for older adults, including those with Alzheimer's and other neurological conditions. It has been associated with benefits in physical and psychological health without significant safety concerns.15678

How is dance therapy different from other treatments for Alzheimer's disease?

Dance therapy is unique because it combines physical movement with cognitive and social engagement, which can improve balance, cognitive function, and overall well-being in people with Alzheimer's disease. Unlike traditional drug treatments, dance therapy offers a non-pharmacological approach that can enhance brain function and reduce fall risk through enjoyable activities like Salsa dancing.14679

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this research study is to study the effects of dance movement and music on memory and cardiorespiratory fitness in older adults who are concerned about memory loss. The study aims to determine the optimal number of movement or music appreciation classes a week to support brain health and fitness. Participants will be people 65 years or older who are concerned about their memory, but do not yet have a diagnosis of cognitive impairment. If a participant is deemed qualified to participate, he/she will be placed into one of four groups and will attend 1, 2, or 3 group or music appreciation classes per week for 24 weeks (6 months). In addition to attending the group classes, participants will be asked to complete at least four study visits at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center to complete various clinical assessments, including a brain MRI.

Research Team

CH

Christina Hugenschmidt, PhD

Principal Investigator

Wake Forest University Health Sciences

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for people aged 65+ who are worried about memory loss but don't have cognitive impairment. They must speak English, be low-active, able to do exercise tests, and have a MoCA score ≥21. Participants need reliable transport (provided if necessary) and must be MRI compatible.

Inclusion Criteria

My cognitive function score is 21 or higher.
My thinking and memory skills are normal.
Low-active for past 6 months (<30 min, 3 days/week of exercise, including walking for exercise)
See 5 more

Exclusion Criteria

I am not on any medication that could harm me during the trial.
My current health does not impact my thinking, movement, or ability to attend study visits.
I have been diagnosed with a major neurological disorder.
See 9 more

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks
1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants attend dance or music appreciation classes 1-3 times per week for 24 weeks

24 weeks
Weekly classes (in-person)

Clinical Assessments

Participants complete clinical assessments including brain MRI and physical performance tests

24 weeks
4 visits (in-person) at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Dance Classes
  • Music
Trial Overview The study examines how dance movement and music appreciation classes affect memory and fitness in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's. Over six months, participants will attend either one, two or three weekly classes alongside clinical assessments including brain MRIs.
Participant Groups
4Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Dance 3 Times Weekly (3xD)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention
Participants in this arm will attend classes 3 times a week for 24 weeks. During the 24 weeks, four different dance forms will be practiced. Each dance form will be taught for 6 weeks.
Group II: Dance 2 Times Weekly (2xD)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention
Participants in this arm will attend classes 2 times a week for 24 weeks. During the 24 weeks, four different dance forms will be practiced. Each dance form will be taught for 6 weeks.
Group III: Dance 1 Time Weekly (1xD)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention
Participants in this arm will attend a class 1 time a week for 24 weeks. During the 24 weeks, four different dance forms will be practiced. Each dance form will be taught for 6 weeks.
Group IV: Music Appreciation Classes (MAC)Active Control1 Intervention
In the MAC, the music associated with that dance form will be used as the subject for classes and will also change every 6 weeks.

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Wake Forest University Health Sciences

Lead Sponsor

Trials
1,432
Recruited
2,506,000+

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Collaborator

Trials
1,841
Recruited
28,150,000+

Findings from Research

An 84-year-old woman with multiple health issues, including Alzheimer's and a history of falls, participated in 24 Salsa dance therapy sessions over 12 weeks, leading to significant improvements in her balance, strength, and mobility.
After the therapy, she experienced only one fall during treatment with no injuries, and reported no falls six months later, suggesting that Salsa dance therapy may effectively reduce fall risk in older adults.
The effects of Salsa dance on balance, gait, and fall risk in a sedentary patient with Alzheimer's dementia, multiple comorbidities, and recurrent falls.Abreu, M., Hartley, G.[2022]
In a pilot study involving 16 institutionalized older adults with Alzheimer's disease, the Biodanza intervention, which is a nonpharmacological dance movement therapy, significantly reduced agitation and neuropsychiatric behaviors.
The promising results suggest that Biodanza could be a beneficial therapeutic approach for improving the well-being of individuals with Alzheimer's, warranting further effectiveness studies.
Biodanza as a Nonpharmacological Dance Movement-Based Treatment in Older People With Alzheimer's Disease: An Italian Pilot Study in 2 Tuscan Nursing Homes.Chiesi, F., Gori, E., Collini, F., et al.[2023]
Dance interventions, referred to as Dance-Specific Activity (DSA), show a positive tendency in improving neuropsychiatric symptoms in people with dementia, although the evidence is limited and the studies reviewed were of generally low quality.
DSA appears to be a safe non-pharmacological therapy for individuals with dementia, with no exacerbation of symptoms reported in the trials, suggesting it can be a viable option in dementia care.
Dance-Specific Activity in People Living With Dementia: A Conceptual Framework and Systematic Review of Its Effects on Neuropsychiatric Symptoms.Schroeder, H., Haussermann, P., Fleiner, T.[2023]

References

The effects of Salsa dance on balance, gait, and fall risk in a sedentary patient with Alzheimer's dementia, multiple comorbidities, and recurrent falls. [2022]
Biodanza as a Nonpharmacological Dance Movement-Based Treatment in Older People With Alzheimer's Disease: An Italian Pilot Study in 2 Tuscan Nursing Homes. [2023]
Dance-Specific Activity in People Living With Dementia: A Conceptual Framework and Systematic Review of Its Effects on Neuropsychiatric Symptoms. [2023]
The effectiveness of dance movement interventions for older adults with mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia: A systematic scoping review and meta-analysis. [2023]
Psychomotor Dance Therapy Intervention (DANCIN) for people with dementia in care homes: a multiple-baseline single-case study. [2019]
Dance Is a Healing Art. [2023]
Psychophysiological Effects of Dance Movement Therapy and Physical Exercise on Older Adults With Mild Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trial. [2020]
8.Russia (Federation)pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[Dance therapy in the rehabilitation of neurological diseases]. [2022]
9.United Arab Emiratespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Dance for People with Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review. [2020]
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