Dance Classes for Alzheimer's Disease

(IGROOVE Trial)

Overseen By Christina Hugenschmidt, PhD

Age: 65+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Wake Forest University Health Sciences

Disqualifiers: Neurological disorders, Cancer treatment, Stroke, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 5

Duration: 24 weeks

160 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how dance and music can aid memory and fitness in older adults concerned about their memory. Researchers aim to determine the optimal number of classes per week to enhance brain health and physical fitness. Participants will attend dance classes (also known as Dance Movement Therapy or Dance-Based Exercise) or music classes one to three times a week for six months. The trial seeks individuals aged 65 or older who have noticed memory changes but have not been diagnosed with a cognitive condition. As an unphased trial, it provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative methods to enhance memory and fitness without the constraints of traditional clinical trial phases.

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 prior data suggests that dance and music classes are safe for older adults?

Research shows that dance classes are generally safe and well-received by older adults. Studies have found that dance therapy can improve memory, mood, and overall brain function in people with memory or thinking issues. Importantly, these studies have not reported any major negative effects from dancing. Instead, participants often notice better mental and physical health.

Music appreciation is also safe and involves little risk. Listening to music has been associated with benefits like improved mood and reduced stress, without any major safety concerns.

Overall, both dance and music activities offer positive effects with low risk, making them safe options for those interested in these activities. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about dance and music classes as potential interventions for Alzheimer's disease because they offer a non-pharmacological approach to managing symptoms. Unlike standard treatments, such as medications that focus on neurotransmitter regulation, dance classes combine physical activity with cognitive engagement, which may enhance brain function in a unique way. Furthermore, music appreciation classes provide sensory stimulation that could potentially improve mood and memory. These methods are appealing because they are natural, involve no drugs, and may offer a holistic way to support mental and physical health in Alzheimer's patients.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for memory loss?

Research has shown that dance movement therapy, one of the treatments in this trial, can improve memory and thinking skills in older adults, even those with mild memory problems. Participants in this trial will engage in dance classes with varying frequencies. Studies have found that people who dance regularly are less likely to develop dementia and usually have better memory. A review of 29 studies on dance activities found that dancing can enhance both physical and mental abilities in older adults. This suggests that dancing might help those concerned about memory loss to improve their memory and brain health. ^{2 5 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Christina Hugenschmidt, PhD

Principal Investigator

Wake Forest University Health Sciences

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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)

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.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

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

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Dance 3 Times Weekly (3xD) Experimental Treatment 1 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 Treatment 1 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 Treatment 1 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 Control 1 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.

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+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The DANCIN intervention, which involves Latin Ballroom dance therapy, showed potential in improving mood and reducing problematic behaviors in residents with mild to moderate dementia, as evidenced by changes in 21 items on the Dementia Mood Assessment Scale (DMAS).

Out of the seven participants, most experienced a small to medium magnitude of positive change, indicating that DANCIN could be a beneficial therapeutic approach for enhancing well-being in dementia care settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Psychomotor Dance Therapy Intervention (DANCIN) for people with dementia in care homes: a multiple-baseline single-case study. Guzmán, A., Freeston, M., Rochester, L., et al.[2019]

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.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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]

Dance movement interventions (DMI) have been shown to significantly improve global cognition, memory, balance, and reduce depression in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and dementia, based on a review of 29 studies involving 1708 participants.

DMI is a non-pharmacological, effective, and engaging treatment option that can complement traditional therapies for cognitive decline in older adults, although it did not show significant effects on executive function.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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. Tao, D., Awan-Scully, R., Ash, GI., et al.[2023]

Dance movement therapy significantly improves cognitive impairment in patients with neurological diseases, particularly in those with Parkinson's disease, but does not show benefits for depression, fatigue, or apathy.

The therapy is effective in the rehabilitation of various neurological conditions, including post-stroke recovery, multiple sclerosis, Huntington's disease, and spinal cord injury, highlighting its broad applicability in neurological rehabilitation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Dance therapy in the rehabilitation of neurological diseases]. Sivertseva, SA., Anfilofeva, KS., Zotova, AV., et al.[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.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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]

A systematic review of 12 studies involving 349 participants found that dance therapy positively impacts physical and cognitive functions, psychological outcomes, and quality of life in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

The results suggest that incorporating dance therapy into treatment can improve or slow the decline in quality of life for both Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers, highlighting its potential as a beneficial intervention.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dance for People with Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review. Ruiz-Muelle, A., López-Rodríguez, MM.[2020]

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.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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]

Dance interventions, including various styles and dance therapy, have been shown to improve physical and psychological health in elderly populations (65 years and older) and children, with benefits in areas such as depression, cognitive function, and neuromotor skills.

Notably, dance was associated with increased brain volume and function, as well as enhanced neurotrophic growth factors, suggesting that dance can have significant positive effects on brain health compared to regular exercise alone.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dance Is a Healing Art. Cox, L., Youmans-Jones, J.[2023]

Dance movement therapy (DMT) significantly reduced depression, loneliness, and negative mood in older adults with mild dementia, while also improving daily functioning and cortisol levels, with effects lasting over a year.

In contrast, a matched-intensity physical exercise intervention showed no significant benefits, suggesting that DMT may be a more effective multifaceted approach for enhancing well-being in this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Psychophysiological Effects of Dance Movement Therapy and Physical Exercise on Older Adults With Mild Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Ho, RTH., Fong, TCT., Chan, WC., et al.[2020]

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