Tango-therapy vs physical activity in older people with dementia. A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Abstract Background: dementia is a growing health concern that affects millions of people worldwide. Balance and gait disorders are often present and represent a major risk factor for falls. We investigated the effectiveness of tango-therapy in older people with dementia. Methods: A randomised controlled trial with 31 participants living in a specialised Alzheimer disease unit, aged 65 to 93 years old, who were randomly assigned to tango group (IG) or adapted physical activity group (CG). Physical abilities (gait speed, Timed Up and Go test, Short Physical Performance Battery), ability to perform activities of daily living (Katz Index) and quality of life (Quality of life in Alzheimer Disease) were assessed. Measurements were performed at baseline, and after one and three months of training. Results: after 3 months IG improved gait speed (p=0.035) while CG worsened (p=0.273), implying a statistically significant difference between groups (p=0.049). Both groups declined in their ability to perform activities of daily living, being statistically significant only in the CC (p=0.004). Both groups improved their quality of life, although this result was not constant during the 3-month intervention. Conclusion: Tango interventions showed efficacy in improving gait and functional mobility, as well as in attenuating the deterioration in capacities of ADL skills. Allowing older people with dementia access to non-pharmacological interventions may be a successful strategy to prevent functional decline. Trial registration: Tango for Older People with Dementia. Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT05744011). First trial registration: 24/02/2023