Dance: Parkinson's foe?

Dance is showing promise in slowing the progression of Parkinson's disease, offering a new avenue for patient well-being. Barbara Salsberg Mathews, diagnosed in 2020, finds that dancing helps her feel like herself again, improving her movement's range and fluidity. Experts are leveraging this research to launch a national online arts hub.

This initiative, led by Rebecca Barnstaple from the University of Guelph, aims to connect Parkinson's patients across Canada with programs like singing and dancing. It aligns with the growing movement of social prescribing, focusing on social services for improved well-being and addressing healthcare gaps.

Parkinson's disease affects over 110,000 Canadians, a number projected to exceed 150,000 within a decade, potentially becoming the most common neurodegenerative disease. In Canada, treatment wait times can extend up to two years, making programs like dance crucial for empowerment.

Studies, including research by York University professor Joseph DeSouza, indicate that regular dance participation can improve cognition and walking stability. The complex nature of dance, involving music and social interaction, contributes to these significant mental and physical benefits, pushing the disease's impact to the background.