Making mental health and wellbeing a priority is important for people living with Parkinson’s disease. While diet is now recognised as a modifiable factor in the prevention and treatment of mental illness, what else can people with Parkinson’s undertake to improve their well-being? Could joining a local dance class boost mental health and can benefits be gained if you don’t have a dance partner?
Along with encouraging social interaction, dance offers an engaging combination of music and coordinated movement. While partnered dancing has been shown to improve mobility functions such as balance and postural stability in people with Parkinson’s, there is limited research comparing the benefits of partnered versus non-partnered dance for well-being.
A meta-analysis published in 2024 sought to assess the effectiveness of dance on mental health and quality of life among individuals with Parkinson’s. In this analysis, 13 studies were included involving 496 people with Parkinson’s over the age of 55. Both partnered and non-partnered dance and a mixture of styles were studied.
Meta-analysis results
- Compared to passive control, dance improved mental health and quality of life in participants with Parkinson’s.
- Non-partnered dance was more effective in improving mental health than partnered dance. According to authors, non-partnered dance may offer less social stress and more autonomy, allowing individuals to engage at their own pace. Dance styles studied for non-partnered dance included choreographed dance movement, modern dance, and Turo.
- Lower dosages of dance were particularly beneficial for mental health suggesting that dance programs for people with Parkinson’s should carefully consider the balance between sufficient engagement and overexertion. Lower dosages of dance can provide enjoyment and prevent fatigue.
A proposed framework explains positive effects of dance
Authors of this meta-analysis proposed a framework to explain the observed positive effects of dance. The proposed framework illustrates that dance can directly enhance well-being through its neurological, social, and psychological benefits, while the physical benefits indirectly influence well-being. The improvement in well-being establishes a positive feedback loop that encourages continued participation in dance.
Final thoughts
Although a definite conclusion cannot be drawn due to limitations in this meta-analysis, it does suggest the potential of dance as a valuable complementary therapy for people with Parkinson’s to assist mental health and wellbeing.
Along with eating well, such as a Mediterranean diet, joining a local dance class is a good option to consider if you have Parkinson’s and are looking to boost your mental health. And remember, you don’t need a dance partner to reap the benefits.
As always, consult your medical team before starting any kind of exercise regime and seek help from a qualified health professional to teach you how to dance safely and appropriately.
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Sources
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Wei-Hsin Cheng, Yixue Quan, William Forde Thompson, The Effect of Dance on Mental Health and Quality of Life of People with Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Three-level Meta-Analysis, 2024.
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Sophie Mahoney, Looking through the lens at how food can improve our mood, Food & Mood Centre
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