Dance eases depression symptoms in Parkinson’s patients, new study suggests

A new study suggests that incorporating dance classes into the treatment plan for Parkinson’s patients may help ease symptoms of depression. The study, published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, followed participants in the Sharing Dance Parkinson’s program at Canada’s National Ballet School. Patients who took part in the dance program reported improvements in mood and depression scores, with brain scans showing changes in areas related to mood.

The study involved 23 Parkinson’s patients and 11 healthy individuals, some of whom were relatives of the patients. Participants took weekly dance classes for eight months, progressing from simple movements to more complex choreography. The team focused on a node in the brain called the subcallosal cingulate gyrus (SCG), which is known to be involved in depression.

After each dance class, participants reported lower depression rates, which accumulated over time. MRI scans showed reduced signals in a brain region associated with emotional regulation. In some participants, decreases in depression scores correlated with changes in the SCG node.

Dr. Karolina Bearss, a co-author of the study, explained that the SCG blood oxygen level–dependent signal decreased during dance classes. The researchers noted that Parkinson’s is a progressive disease with symptoms beyond motor impairments, including mental and social well-being issues like depression.

The study builds on previous research showing that dance training can benefit Parkinson’s patients in motor control, mood, and daily functioning. Dance is believed to have a dual benefit, as music activates the brain’s reward centers while movement stimulates sensory and motor circuits.

While dance is not a cure for Parkinson’s, Professor Joseph DeSouza emphasized that it can improve the quality of life for patients and their caregivers. Up to half of Parkinson’s patients experience depression or anxiety at some point, according to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

Research from Sydney University has also shown that structured dance can be as effective or more effective than other forms of physical activity in improving psychological and cognitive outcomes for people with chronic illnesses. The findings suggest that incorporating dance into treatment plans for Parkinson’s patients could have significant benefits for their mental health and overall well-being.