Effects of dance intervention on agitation and cognitive functioning of people living with dementia in institutional care facilities: Systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Agitation and impaired cognitive functioning are common symptoms of dementia, which require costly medication regimens that are associated with adverse effects. This study investigates the effects of dance interventions on agitation and cognitive function in people living with dementia in institutional care facilities. Methods: Five electronic databases were searched for eligible studies on dance interventions for people living with dementia published between 2002 and 2021. Standard deviation and post mean values were extracted. Within-group Hedges’ g was computed for individual studies. Results: Six randomised controlled trials and three non-randomised studies of satisfactory quality, with a total of 610 participants, were included. Statistical analysis found significant improvements in agitation and cognitive functioning with dance interventions. Discussion: This review provided favourable evidence on the effects of dance interventions on agitation and cognitive functions in people with dementia. However, given the limited evidence, more studies are needed to confirm the effects.