Abstract
Dance interventions have physical benefits for the elderly, especially those with Parkinson's disease. This study assessed the psychological benefits of dance. A total of 37 participants, with either Parkinson's disease (n= 22) or age-matched controls (n= 15) completed mood questionnaires before and after a 10-week dance intervention. An overall reduction in total mood disturbance and a specific reduction in anger were observed. In addition, less fatigue was found for those initially scoring higher in depression. This suggests that dance can provide psychological benefits for both people with Parkinson's disease and the elderly, with findings suggesting that this is an avenue to be explored further.
Highlights
Parkinson’s Disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disease, typically developing in people above the age of 50, is associated with the motor signs of tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity and postural instability
Research has consistently shown there is a high prevalence of depression in people with PD, such that up to 60% of scores in relation to quality of life can be explained by depression (Global Parkinson’s Disease Survey, 2002) and perhaps even more than the severity of the motor symptoms of the disease (Suzukamo, Ohbu, Kondo, Kohmoto & Fukuhara, 2006)
It is thought that early intervention in the treatment of depression in PD could be essential in aiding cognitive function (Kuzis, Sabe, Tiberti, Leiguarda & Starkstein, 1997; Starkstein, Bolduc, Mayberg, Preziosi & Robinson, 1990)
Summary
Parkinson’s Disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disease, typically developing in people above the age of 50, is associated with the motor signs of tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity and postural instability. It is thought that early intervention in the treatment of depression in PD could be essential in aiding cognitive function (Kuzis, Sabe, Tiberti, Leiguarda & Starkstein, 1997; Starkstein, Bolduc, Mayberg, Preziosi & Robinson, 1990). Despite this and the consistent identification of an association between depression and PD
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