Brain improvements in Parkinson’s patients thanks to dance

A recent study revealed the benefits of dance therapy for people with Parkinson's disease. It shows significant improvements in self-reported questionnaires as well as in brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

These results reinforce the idea that dance can have a real impact on the mental and physical health of patients.

Dr. Karolina Bearss, assistant professor in the psychology department at Algoma University, participated in the study with two other collaborators, from York and Guelph universities.

She emphasizes that dancing improves brain activity and helps regulate emotions, an essential factor for patients' quality of life.

The researchers used theIRM regularly at York University to observe participants' brain activity, particularly in an area of ​​the brain linked to depression, a symptom frequently associated with Parkinson's.

This three-year collaborative study involved 23 participants with Parkinson's enrolled in the program Let's dance together Parkinson from the National Ballet School of Canada, as well as 11 healthy people, mainly family members or caregivers.

For eight months, participants attended weekly dance classes, starting with simple exercises before progressing to more complex choreography.

An innovative method to combat depression and anxiety

Dr Karolina Bearss says the study highlighted the impact of dance on participants' emotional symptoms.

We were also able to show that there was a decrease in their depression scores, individuals tended to feel less depressed or less depressed.

Another key factor in this study is the integration of Music into lessons. Music, as an external stimulus, allows patients to synchronize their movements with an external rhythm.

This helps restore the regulation of brain rhythm disrupted by the disease, stimulates the reward centers of the brain, while the movement itself engages the sensory and motor circuits.

Despite the many benefits, Dr. Bearss points out that the study also highlighted several practical challenges, including the initial reluctance of some patients, unfamiliar with dance, to participate. The latter sometimes appeared nervous.

However, once involved, these participants showed obvious pleasure and satisfaction.

A powerful social and emotional impact

Rachel Bar, director of research at the National Ballet School of Canada and study collaborator, is delighted with the results obtained.

A former professional dancer, she highlights the benefits of dance, not only on the body, but also on the mind.

We offer seating throughout the class, standing options with some support.

The former undergraduate student at York University also emphasizes the importance of the social connection that these courses promote. Some people come with a support worker or family member, either to drop them off at the class or to participate in the classshe emphasizes.

Moments of sharing, often after classes, create a sense of camaraderie essential for patients living with Parkinson's disease, who are often isolated.

Our dancers stay after class, maybe grab a coffee or a snack in the cafeteriaexplains the director.

She also clarifies that the program does not focus on the illness, but on the shared experience of dance, which allows participants to feel supported and included in a positive environment.

You're not just taking a dance class, you're socializing, you're connecting with other people. People who have an idea of ​​what you are experiencing on certain levelsshe said.

Opening the way to new possibilities

Researchers and practitioners recommend being open to trying creative activities like dance, which can not only benefit the body, but also the mind.

If you have doubts, be open to trying. […] You will quickly discover that this is a truly warm and welcoming communityencourage la Dre Bearss.

The teachers are awesome. The support system is amazingshe concludes.