Online dance program for people living with dementia
Stories in the Moment: Dance Program for People Living With Dementia
This study is testing whether a weekly online dance program can improve the quality of life and wellbeing for people living with dementia and their care partners.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 72 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DanceStream Projects Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT06221202 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the impact of a person-centered online dance program on the quality of life and wellbeing of individuals living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment, along with their care partners. Participants will engage in a weekly one-hour dance session via Zoom for 12 weeks, with assessments conducted before and after the program to gauge changes in wellbeing. The study aims to foster social connections and reduce feelings of isolation among participants. A total of 72 participants, including 36 dyads of persons living with dementia and their care partners, will be enrolled over the course of one year.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 50 or older with a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or mild to moderate dementia, along with a care partner who can participate.
Not a fit: Patients with severe dementia or those unable to engage in virtual platforms may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could enhance the quality of life and social engagement for individuals living with dementia and their care partners.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes for virtual social engagement programs for older adults, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Criteria: Inclusion Criteria (person living with dementia): * age 50 or older * a self-reported mild cognitive impairment or dementia diagnosis and mild-moderate dementia severity (confirmed by care partner or collateral) * a care partner or a collateral (a family member, paid caregiver, or close friend who spends at least 8 hours/week with the person living with dementia and speaks fluent English) who consents to join the study * English fluency, categorized as not requiring translation into another language. Being non-verbal or having limited verbal ability will not be considered exclusion criteria but this condition will be noted. * access to and basic ability to use the videoconferencing platform (Zoom) on a digital device (tablet, telephone or computer) (or access to support therein). Inclusion criteria (care partner or a collateral - defined as a family member, paid caregiver, or close friend who spends at least 8 hours/week with the person living with dementia): * age 18 and older * speaks fluent English * access to and basic ability to use the videoconferencing platform (Zoom) on a digital device (tablet, telephone or computer) (or access to support therein). Exclusion Criteria (person living with dementia): * Persons living with dementia unable to provide consent or assent. Persons living with dementia who do not have capacity to provide consent but are capable of providing assent will be included if a care partner or collateral who is a legally authorized representative provides consent. * Persons living with dementia with severe dementia (classified as being unable to sit up independently and being non-ambulatory within the upper extremities) will be excluded. Being non-verbal or having limited verbal ability will not be considered exclusion criteria but this condition will be noted. For these participants, attempts will be made to capture responses to questionnaires via alternative communication methods (gesture, facial expression, typing in the chat) and the care partner or collateral will be asked to corroborate or supplement the responses. * Lack of reliable access to a digital device with Zoom application. Exclusion criteria (care partner or a collateral): • Lack of reliable access to a digital device with Zoom application.
Where this trial is running
New York, New York
- Online — New York, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Magda Kaczmarska, MFA — DanceStream Projects; Global Brain Health Institute
- Study coordinator: Magda Kaczmarska, MFA
- Email: magda.kaczmarska@gbhi.org
- Phone: 520-331-5726
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.