In the whole world, seven to ten million people suffer from Parkinson’s disease. The normal levels of dopamine are reduced in this illness as a result of the progressive loss of some brain cells. These reduced levels of dopamine directly contribute to the tremors and slow movements that are a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease, and the medication L-DOPA, which helps address the dopamine imbalance, is one of the well-established and effective modalities of treatment. While there are several options, dance is one of the possible therapeutic methods for seniors with Parkinson’s disease.
Dancing Makes You Less Likely to Fall
Dance is a type of movement therapy that addresses a number of the issues associated with Parkinson’s disease.
The main issue is falling. Parkinson’s disease patients are more likely to fall and injure themselves because their balance and movement are impaired, which raises the cost of care. Those who regularly dance have better control of their balance and are less likely to trip and fall. Researchers who have spent years examining how rhythm and dancing might help people with Parkinson’s disease are now also focusing on rhythmically guided movement therapy, where patients learn drum beats. For instance, it can start off with something as simple as little hand drums. They then progress to larger instruments and more elaborate gestures once they have mastered the rhythms. The larger the movement, the more effective the therapy seems to be.
Dancing uses similar principles, therefore it’s not surprising that there are classes available for persons with Parkinson’s disease all around the world. The Dancing for PD® model, which was developed in Brooklyn in 2001, is widely used. They collaborate with several dance organizations to offer classes. For instance, since February, English citizens have been able to enroll in monthly classes with the English National Ballet at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
The Secret is in the Music
But why do patients with Parkinson’s disease regain their balance and control when they dance and practice rhythm? The key is in the music. A guide of when to move is provided by external auditory cueing.
Another topic researchers have been trying to study is why auditory cueing in movement therapy for Parkinson’s Disease seems to function better when it is incorporated into a rhythmical piece of music rather than just the ticking of a metronome. What makes the music so special? Is it the beat clarity? Is the complexity of it the reason? She’s discovered that familiarity with the music plays a significant influence, probably because it motivates persons with Parkinson’s Disease who frequently experience emotional disengagement more than other types of patients.
The Social Aspect of Dancing Helps as Well
Another component of dance training is helping students make that emotional connection. Those with Parkinson’s disease benefit from participating in regular social activities and remaining active. And when it comes to dancing with others, cues are given through touch as well as visual and auditory cues if they are dancing with another dancer. It’s challenging to isolate all these various influences, but dancing ultimately aids in the control and reduction of some Parkinson’s disease symptoms.
This is why in our retirement community, keeping active is encouraged through our health and wellness program, which features a range of exciting fitness activities in which you can participate with your community friends. Check out our senior assisted living options today!
