Researchers at York University in Toronto may have found a simple way to combat—and potentially even reverse—cognitive decline in people with Parkinson’s disease.
The study followed a group of Parkinson’s patients who attended weekly dance classes over six years. Researchers found that those who regularly participated in dance experienced less cognitive decline compared to a reference group who did not dance.
A typical 75-minute class included a seated warm-up, exercises at the barre, and floorwork dances. One group also learned a specific choreography in preparation for a performance. Participants underwent brief motor function assessments and cognitive questionnaires before and after each session.
Over the six-year period, the cognitive scores of the 43 patients in the dance group improved, while the 28 patients in the reference group either showed no improvement or experienced a slight decline.
Lead author Simran Rooprai said the findings suggest that dance may help preserve cognition and even improve some Parkinson’s symptoms. “We can’t repair the brain, but we’re trying to show that dance may delay further cognitive decline,” he said.
“Dance engages many parts of the brain. While dancing, you’re listening to music, learning new steps, remembering sequences, and interacting with others, which keeps you aware of your surroundings. Dance is physical, mental, and social all at once.”
The researchers are now planning a follow-up study to examine how weekly dance classes affect working memory in people with Parkinson’s. The study was published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.
