Photo credit: www.foxnews.com

Dance Classes Show Promise in Alleviating Depression Symptoms in Parkinson’s Patients

Engaging in dance may provide significant emotional benefits for individuals suffering from Parkinson’s disease, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research. This research indicates that participation in a structured dance program not only alleviates symptoms of depression but also causes observable changes in brain function.

In the study, researchers tracked 23 participants diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, alongside 11 healthy individuals, many of whom were family members of the patients. All participants engaged in weekly dance classes over an eight-month period. The dance program evolved from basic movements to more complex choreographic routines, blending physical exercise with artistic expression.

PARKINSON’S DISEASE RISK IS LINKED TO GUT HEALTH, RESEARCHERS SAY

Joseph DeSouza, a senior researcher and associate professor of neuroscience at York University in Toronto, noted the findings were particularly compelling. “It was very cool to see that dance had a positive effect on the mood circuits in the brain, which we could observe through imaging,” he stated. The study’s outcomes were measured using both objective brain imaging techniques and subjective mood assessments gathered via surveys from participants.

Highlighting the importance of both data collection methods, DeSouza remarked, “Our study is the first to demonstrate these benefits across these two detection methods.” Regular monitoring of mood and depression levels utilized a standardized scale, revealing statistically significant improvements as participants progressed through the dance classes.

‘PENDULUM LIFESTYLE’ COULD BE KEY TO JUGGLING DAILY CHALLENGES

The research specifically focused on a brain region known as the subcallosal cingulate gyrus (SCG), which previous studies have linked to mood regulation and depression. Brain scans conducted throughout the study indicated a marked reduction in neural signals associated with emotional processing after dance sessions. This reduction correlated with improved mood scores reported by participants.

After eight months of consistent activity, the results showed a cumulative effect on participants’ well-being, with a total decrease in reported depression symptoms. The researchers observed, alongside mood enhancements, notable changes in brain physiology linked to areas involved in emotional processing.

WHAT IS ‘BRAIN ROT’? THE SCIENCE BEHIND WHAT TOO MUCH SCROLLING DOES TO OUR BRAINS

Co-author Dr. Karolina Bearss, an academic at Algoma University in Canada, emphasized the significance of the findings, explaining that the SCG’s blood oxygen level–dependent signals showed meaningful decreases while dancing. This highlights a physiological basis for the emotional improvements noted in the study.

Parkinson’s disease embodies a range of symptoms, not purely motor-related issues. Bearss pointed out that this condition often features a “prodromal” phase, potentially lasting up to a decade before formal diagnosis, during which individuals may experience low mood alongside the onset of physical symptoms. “People with Parkinson’s disease tend to have multiple symptoms that are not just motor-related,” she explained, noting the impact on mental health as particularly concerning.

“What we’re trying to do is have people live a better quality of life,” emphasized Bearss.

The current research builds upon previous investigations conducted by the same team, which documented the benefits of dance training for improving motor skills and life quality among Parkinson’s patients over a three-year period. The findings signal that the combination of music and movement may stimulate both emotional and physical aspects of well-being.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

Professor DeSouza, who has worked with participants in the dance program for over a decade, affirmed that while dance should not be seen as a direct cure for Parkinson’s disease, its positive effects are undeniable. “We’re not trying to cure Parkinson’s with dance,” he stated, “but rather to enhance the quality of life for those affected, along with their caregivers.” This sentiment is especially pertinent considering that up to half of all individuals with Parkinson’s may experience depression or anxiety at some stage of their illness, as highlighted by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

Source
www.foxnews.com