BAKIMEVİNDE YAŞAYAN ALZHEİMER TANILI GERİATRİK BİREYLERDE HEDEF ODAKLI ÇİZGİ DANSININ ETKİLERİ: RANDOMİZE KONTROLLÜ ÇALIŞMA

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, balance impairments, psychological symptoms, and dependence in activities of daily living. This study aimed to investigate the effects of goal-oriented line dancing on cognitive performance, balance, anxiety, depression, activities of daily living, sleep, and quality of life in institutionalized older adults with Alzheimer’s disease. A total of 42 individuals aged 65 years and older with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease were included in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n=20) and a control group (n=22). Participants in the intervention group received goal-oriented line dance, whereas the control group received no intervention. Assessments were performed using the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Berg Balance Scale, Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study–Activities of Daily Living Scale (ADCS-ADL), Assessment of Sleep Complaints Using the Visual Analogue Scale, and Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease Scale. Following the intervention, significant improvements were observed in cognitive performance, balance, and quality of life in the line dancing group (p<0.05). In addition, anxiety and depression levels decreased significantly (p<0.05). Although positive changes were observed in activities of daily living and sleep-related outcomes, improvements in some parameters remained limited. In conclusion, goal-oriented line dancing appears to be a feasible non-pharmacological intervention that may provide beneficial cognitive, physical, and psychosocial outcomes in older adults with Alzheimer’s disease.