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Can a dance program improve brain health for individuals living with dementia in Brazil?
Aline Nogueira Haas, Ph.D.
Federal University Of Rio Grande do Sul
Porto Alegre, Brazil
Background
Individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementia may experience mood and behavioral changes, including depression, stress, anxiety, and loneliness. Studies have shown that physical activity can reduce many of these mental health challenges and promote brain health for individuals with dementia. Additionally, non-medical interventions are a cost-effective and socially engaging way to improve the quality of life and brain health for those living with dementia in regions where medical treatments are not widely available. Dr. Aline Nogueira Hass will develop a culturally appropriate dance program to promote physical exercise and social connection for individuals living with dementia in Brazil.
Research Plan
Dr. Nogueira Hass and colleagues will develop two dance programs for their study, one that incorporates traditional Amazonian dance styles from the Northern region of Brazil and one from the Southern region. They will recruit 60 individuals with dementia for their study – 20 will participate in the Northern Amazonian program, 20 in the Southern Amazonian program, and 20 will not participate in the dance programs as the non-intervention group. The dance programs will last 12 weeks, with one-hour dance practice sessions twice a week. To examine the impact of the programs on brain health, participants will complete culturally validated cognitive assessments at the beginning and end of the study. Lastly, the researchers will disseminate their findings to a broad audience of clinicians, stakeholders, and the general public to bring awareness to the program.
Impact
If successful, this study will develop a culturally appropriate dance program for individuals with dementia living in Brazil. The findings from this study may also highlight how dance programs could improve the quality of life and brain health of individuals with dementia.
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