Barbara Salsberg Mathews, 67, found a renewed purpose in dance after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2020. “I just thought, ‘I better break out and start dancing, because Parkinson’s can’t stop me from dancing,’” she said. Her experience highlights a growing body of evidence suggesting that dance can be a powerful tool for managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s and potentially slowing its progression. As more Canadians are diagnosed with this neurodegenerative condition, experts are increasingly looking to innovative approaches like dance to improve quality of life.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement, often causing tremors, stiffness, and slowness. Currently, over 110,000 Canadians are living with Parkinson’s, a number projected to exceed 150,000 within the next decade, according to Parkinson’s Canada. With wait times for specialist appointments sometimes stretching up to two years, many are seeking complementary therapies to manage their symptoms and maintain their well-being.
The Power of Movement and Music
The benefits of exercise for individuals with Parkinson’s are well-established. Dr. Alfonso Fasano, a neurologist at University Health Network in Toronto, explains, “Any movement is good for the body, in particular aerobic exercises. Some people have said that if exercise was a pill, it would be the most prescribed drug. And so dancing motivates people to take this pill.” Regular exercise, to the point of increasing heart rate, can help slow the disease’s progression. But dance offers something more than a typical workout.
Dance is a complex activity that challenges the brain in unique ways. Joseph DeSouza, an associate psychology professor at York University in Toronto, notes, “Doing dance is super complex for your body. If a doctor said you got to run more or do more steps, those are very simple things that don’t push cognition.” Recent research from DeSouza’s team showed that individuals with Parkinson’s who participated in dance classes once a week for six years experienced improvements in both cognitive function and walking stability compared to those who did not dance. This suggests that the cognitive demands of dance may offer a protective effect against the disease’s progression.
The benefits extend beyond the physical and cognitive. The social interaction and emotional expression inherent in dance can likewise play a crucial role. “Research points to a variety of factors, from the music to the way that the social interactions from a class can boost mood, alleviating depression,” DeSouza added. He advocates for incorporating enjoyable forms of exercise, like dance, into the treatment plan for Parkinson’s, stating, “As soon as you get the disease, you should be prescribed exercise, dance, swimming, whatever you think is fun.”
Connecting Patients Through the Arts
Recognizing the potential of arts-based therapies, Rebecca Barnstaple, an assistant professor of theatre at the University of Guelph, is leading the launch of a national online arts hub. This project, called ‘If Art Were a Drug,’ aims to connect Parkinson’s patients across Canada with a variety of programs, including singing and dance. Barnstaple’s work is part of a broader movement toward social prescribing, which utilizes social services to enhance overall well-being and address gaps in the healthcare system.
Barnstaple emphasizes the empowering nature of dance for those living with Parkinson’s. “When someone feels or is told or knows they have a movement disorder, they think dance is not for them. But This represents exactly the moment when we should dance.” She has witnessed firsthand the positive impact of dance on balance, mobility, and overall quality of life in her classes since 2013.
Ken Wickens, a 78-year-traditional from Windsor, Ontario, who has lived with Parkinson’s for 12 years, embodies this sentiment. After attending his first dance class with his wife, Jean, he shared, “I am not sitting still and I am not watching the world go by. I’m getting a part of it.” This feeling of connection and engagement is a key component of the therapeutic benefits of dance.
Barbara Salsberg Mathews, a former mime artist, continues to embrace dance as a vital part of her life. Her story, and the growing research supporting the benefits of dance, offer a message of hope and empowerment for those navigating the challenges of Parkinson’s disease.
As the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease continues to rise, the development of accessible and engaging therapies like dance will be crucial. The launch of the national arts hub in April promises to provide a valuable resource for patients across Canada, fostering a sense of community and offering a pathway to improved well-being.
What are your thoughts on the role of arts-based therapies in managing chronic conditions? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below.
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
