Exploring dance as a therapy for symptoms and social interaction in a dementia care unit.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There have been many debates about the use of some atypical antipsychotic drugs in managing agitation in dementia care. Much research has also been carried out in the area of psychosocial interventions, which can include dance therapy. AIM: To evaluate Wu Tao dance therapy as an intervention for dementia and assess its impact on agitation. METHOD: A four-week pilot was carried, involving six clients with dementia attending dance sessions with members of staff in a residential dementia care facility. Agitation was measured using the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI). RESULTS: Agitation scores were reduced in four out of six residents and there was an overall average reduction of 6.16 in pre and post scores on the CMAI. The therapy lifted the spirits of both residents and staff, and a therapeutic bond between the two groups developed. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Wu Tao is an experience for all, and it is possible that this therapy can reduce agitation and bring life and fun to residential facilities.

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