Dance therapy for seniors with dementia symptoms

Dance Workshop for Institutionalized Seniors With Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia

Not applicable Interventional Centre Hospitalier Emile Roux · NCT05799001

This study tests if dance therapy can help seniors with dementia feel better and improve their daily activities.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment180 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCentre Hospitalier Emile Roux Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Craponne-sur-Arzon and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05799001 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study explores the effects of dance therapy on institutionalized seniors experiencing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. It aims to assess whether engaging in dance can reduce these symptoms and improve daily living activities. Participants will be evaluated using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) to measure changes in their behavioral issues. The intervention is designed for seniors who can mobilize their upper body and have stable medication regimens.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are institutionalized individuals over 65 years old with measurable behavioral problems related to dementia.

Not a fit: Patients unable to participate in dance sessions due to severe disabilities or concurrent psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly alleviate behavioral symptoms in seniors with dementia, enhancing their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that physical activity, including dance, can effectively reduce behavioral symptoms in dementia patients, suggesting a promising avenue for this intervention.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Institutionalized patient (male or female) over 65 years of age ;
2. Patient with behavioral problems, as measured by an NPI-ES ≥ 4 on any item and an NPI-ES impact scale ≥ 3 ;
3. Patient able to mobilize the upper body at a minimum (arms, trunk, head);
4. Medication (antipsychotics, antidepressants, anxiolytics and related hypnotics) without major modification for at least 30 days prior to inclusion after medical advice;
5. Possibility of including patients under guardianship or curatorship;
6. Patient affiliated to a social security plan;
7. Obtaining consent from the patient or legal representative.

   Exclusion Criteria:
8. Inability of the patient to follow the sessions (e.g., major visual/auditory disabilities), difficult follow-up, or any other reason at the discretion of the investigator;
9. Inability of the health care team to complete the NPI-ES questionnaire for the patient;
10. Patient has a concurrent psychiatric disorder (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or other).

Where this trial is running

Craponne-sur-Arzon and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Dementia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.