Impact of dance interventions on the symptoms of dementia: A mixed-methods systematic review

Objectives: This mixed-methods systematic review determined the impact of dance interventions on symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) among persons living in residential care. Methods: Seven databases (Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Ageline, and AMED) were searched. Studies published before June 2022 that investigated the impact of dance interventions on symptoms of ADRD were eligible for inclusion. Risk of bias was assessed using CASP, ROBINS-I, and ROB- 2. Quantitative and qualitative objectives provided a convergent segregate narrative synthesis for the review. The review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021220535). Results: Two quantitative and two qualitative studies met the inclusion criteria. Dance interventions decreased levels of agitation and aggression, and improved behavioural and psychological symptoms. Conclusions: Studies suggest that dance interventions reduce the symptoms of dementia through increased expression, emotions, and improved relationships for persons with ADRD. However, the small number of included studies limits these conclusions.