The effectiveness of dance interventions on cognitive functioning of people with dementia or cognitive impairment? A systematic reviews

Abstract

Background: Dementia significantly impairs cognitive abilities, well-being and the functioning of daily life, but there is no cure yet. In the search for non-pharmacological interventions, dance has emerged as a potential complementary therapy to support people with dementia or cognitive impairment. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of various dance interventions on the cognitive performance of people with dementia or cognitive impairment.Methods: In accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in six databases from 2002 to 2023. The quality of the studies was rigorously assessed using the JBI tool. A narrative synthesis approach was used to summarize the effects on key cognitive outcomes. Effects of the interventions were presented either as Standardized Mean Difference, Weighted Mean Difference, or Mean Difference. Effect sizes of <0.1 is considered trivial while awhile > 0.5 is considered a large effect.Results: The meta-review showed significant improvements in global cognition, memory, attention, language and fluency in different dance genres such as ballroom, Latin and aerobics. However, different effects were observed in executive and visuospatial functions.Conclusion: This meta-review shows the effectiveness of dance interventions in improving several cognitive functions in people with dementia, including memory, attention, language and fluency. This shred of evidence supports the use of dance as an effective non-pharmacological approach in dementia care and merits its consideration in treatment strategies and further research studies.