DANCE MOVEMENT THERAPY IN PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Introduction: Dance Movement Therapy (DMT), distinct from broader recreational or structured dance activities, has increasingly been proposed as a person-centred, movement-based intervention to address the psychosocial and relational needs of people living with dementia, which are often insufficiently addressed by pharmacological treatments alone. However, the available evidence is characterised by conceptual and methodological heterogeneity, with different dance-based approaches frequently grouped under the same label. A narrative review design was therefore adopted to provide an interpretative and clinically oriented synthesis of how DMT has been conceptualised, implemented, and evaluated across care contexts. Aim: This narrative review aims to critically synthesize how DMT has been described and applied in the literature for people living with dementia and which psychosocial, physical, and cognitive dimensions have been explored. Materials and Methods: A narrative review was conducted using searches in PubMed, CINAHL, APA PsycInfo, and PsycArticles between July 2025 and March 2026, and findings were synthesised with attention to clinical relevance. Results: A total of 11 primary studies were included. DMT for people living with dementia encompasses heterogeneous approaches, ranging from clinical DMT to structured and recreational dance activities, which differ in therapeutic intent and should not be considered equivalent. Overall, the evidence suggests potential multidimensional benefits, particularly in psychological and behavioural domains, including improvements in mood, emotional well-being, and social interaction. Some studies also report gains in mobility, balance, and selected cognitive functions, although findings are inconsistent and often context dependent. Most interventions were conducted in institutional settings, where feasibility was influenced by organisational and logistical factors. The heterogeneity of interventions, study designs, and outcome measures, together with methodological limitations, limits comparability and requires cautious interpretation of the findings. Conclusion: DMT may represent a promising person-centred and relational approach that can enrich dementia care, particularly in institutional settings. However, current evidence remains limited, heterogeneous, and exploratory. Future research should adopt more rigorous designs, clearly distinguish DMT from other dance-based interventions, and include longer follow-up periods.