Social Dance Therapy for Early Alzheimer's Disease

Overseen By Madeleine Hackney, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Emory University

Must be taking: Aricept, Anticholinesterase inhibitors

Must not be taking: Antipsychotics, Opioids, Stimulants, others

Disqualifiers: Stroke, Uncontrolled hypertension, Diabetes, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 56

66 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how social dance therapy might benefit individuals with early Alzheimer's disease. Researchers believe that combining movement and mental activity, as in dance, could enhance both physical and mental abilities. Participants will join either a dance class or a walking group (known as WALK) to determine which activity better supports brain health and overall function. The trial seeks individuals with mild memory issues who can walk unaided and are not currently in an exercise program. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative therapies that could enhance quality of life.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial requires that participants are not on medications that could negatively affect cognition, such as antipsychotics, opioids, stimulants, and certain drugs for Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis. Participants must also be on stable doses of medications like Aricept or Namenda for at least 3 months before joining the study.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Studies have shown that partnered rhythmic rehabilitation (PRR) classes are safe for people with early Alzheimer's, with no reports of falls causing injury during sessions. PRR involves dancing with a partner, which helps improve both physical movement and thinking skills.

Research indicates that group walking programs can support brain health and physical function in older adults, including those with Alzheimer's. Walking is generally considered a safe and beneficial exercise.

Both treatments seem well-tolerated in similar settings, with no major safety concerns reported. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about these treatments for early Alzheimer's disease because they offer a non-pharmacological approach that could complement or even enhance existing therapies like medications that target neurotransmitter activity. Unlike standard drugs, which often aim to modify brain chemistry, Partnered Rhythmic Rehabilitation (PRR) and group walking (WALK) focus on physical activity and social engagement, which could improve cognitive function and quality of life. PRR is particularly unique as it incorporates music and rhythm, potentially stimulating brain areas involved in movement and memory. These treatments are exciting because they could provide holistic benefits without the side effects typically associated with medication.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for early Alzheimer's disease?

Research has shown that walking in groups, one of the interventions in this trial, can help maintain mental stability in people with Alzheimer's disease. Studies have found that regular walking may slow the disease's progression and assist with daily activities. Participants in walking programs often maintain their quality of life over time.

Partnered Rhythmic Rehabilitation (PRR), another intervention in this trial, shows promise for enhancing the coordination of brain and body functions in older adults with memory issues. Early findings suggest that PRR, which combines physical activity with mental tasks in a social setting, may improve both cognitive and motor skills. This approach targets several areas, including heart health and social interaction, which are crucial for individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer's. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Madeleine Hackney, MD

Principal Investigator

Emory University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals with early Alzheimer's Disease who can walk unaided, have a certain level of cognitive function and memory concern, completed at least six grades of education or have a solid work history, are not very physically active, and willing to commit to a year-long research program. Those with severe mental health issues, recent hospitalization or conditions that could interfere with the study cannot participate.

Inclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with mild memory loss (MCI) according to ADNI standards.

I can perform daily activities without significant assistance.

You have completed six grades of education or have a good work history.

Exclusion Criteria

I have had a stroke within the last three years.

I cannot undergo the procedures required in this study.

Inability to perform MRI (e.g. metal implants or cardiac pacemaker, claustrophobia)

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Training

Participants are assigned to 20 biweekly 90-minute lessons over 12 weeks, focusing on either PRR or WALK interventions.

12 weeks

20 visits (in-person)

Maintenance

Participants attend weekly lessons at least 3 times per month for 9 months, continuing with either PRR or WALK interventions.

9 months

At least 36 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the intervention period.

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Group walking (WALK)
• Partnered Rhythmic Rehabilitation (PRR)

Trial Overview

The trial tests Partnered Rhythmic Rehabilitation (PRR), which is social dance aimed at improving cardiovascular health, motor-cognitive functions and social interaction against group walking. It's a 12-month Phase II trial where participants do biweekly sessions for three months followed by weekly sessions for nine months.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Partnered Rhythmic Rehabilitation (PRR) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants in this study are will receive the PRR intervention. Participants will have two phases of intervention. In the three-month Training phase, participants will be assigned to 20, biweekly (90-minute) lessons over 12 weeks. In the nine-month Maintenance phase, participants will attend weekly lessons at least 3 times per month.

Group II: Group walking (WALK) Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants in this study are will receive the WALK intervention. Participants will have two phases of intervention. In the three-month Training phase, participants will be assigned to 20, biweekly (90-minute) lessons over 12 weeks. In the nine-month Maintenance phase, participants will attend weekly lessons at least 3 times per month.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Emory University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,735

Recruited

2,605,000+

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Collaborator

Trials

1,841

Recruited

28,150,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The pilot study of the IMOVE trial involved 10 dyads (people with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage dementia and their caregivers) participating in an 8-week improvisational dance intervention, which showed promising increases in quality of life and balance.

Participants attended classes 96% of the time and reported feeling socially connected, while brain imaging indicated improvements in brain network characteristics, suggesting that dance may enhance cognitive and social engagement in individuals with dementia.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Improvisational Movement to Improve Quality of Life in Older Adults With Early-Stage Dementia: A Pilot Study. Thumuluri, D., Lyday, R., Babcock, P., et al.[2022]

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]

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, 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]

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 home-based gait training program using rhythmic auditory cues was found to be feasible and safe for individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, with no adverse events reported during the study.

Participants showed significant improvements in walking speed and stride length after the 4-week intervention, indicating that music-cued training can help maintain mobility in people living with Alzheimer's.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Home-Based Gait Training Using Rhythmic Auditory Cues in Alzheimer's Disease: Feasibility and Outcomes. Wittwer, JE., Winbolt, M., Morris, ME.[2020]

In a study involving 28 elderly patients with mild Alzheimer's disease, combining music therapy (MT) and physical rehabilitation (PR) for four months led to the greatest improvements in both cognitive and motor functions compared to other treatment groups.

Music therapy was found to significantly enhance cognitive function, while physical rehabilitation had a more pronounced effect on motor skills, suggesting that a combined approach may be the most effective treatment strategy for this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Remediation of cognitive and motor functions in Tunisian elderly patients with mild Alzheimer's disease: implications of music therapy and/or physical rehabilitation. Chéour, S., Chéour, C., Gendreau, T., et al.[2023]

A music-supported video-based group exercise program was found to be feasible for older adults with moderate Alzheimer's disease, with an impressive participation rate of 84.1%.

The quality of exercise performance was consistently above acceptable levels, suggesting that the combination of music and video effectively maintained attention and motivation among participants.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A physical exercise program using music-supported video-based training in older adults in nursing homes suffering from dementia: a feasibility study. Spildooren, J., Speetjens, I., Abrahams, J., et al.[2019]

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]

A 3-month group balance training program specifically designed for individuals with Alzheimer disease (IwAD) significantly improved balance and mobility, as shown by enhanced scores on the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) tests.

While cognitive function, measured by the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE), did not decline during the training, there was a noted decline after the intervention, suggesting that the balance training may have a protective effect on cognition during the program.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Group Balance Training Specifically Designed for Individuals With Alzheimer Disease: Impact on Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go, Gait Speed, and Mini-Mental Status Examination. Ries, JD., Hutson, J., Maralit, LA., et al.[2015]

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