The research
What the research says
We would rather be accurate than impressive. Here is what good-quality studies show about music, dance and movement for older people, how strong the evidence is, and where it is still uncertain.
The main findings
Checked November 2026. Each finding links to the study, and the label says how sure the researchers are.
Structured music sessions may ease low mood a little in dementia
Moderate evidence
A Cochrane review of 30 trials (1,720 people) found that music-based therapy, compared with usual care, probably improves depressive symptoms slightly for people living with dementia. It probably does not reduce agitation, and there is no good evidence that it improves memory or thinking. No lasting effect was found once sessions stopped.
These were mostly music therapy programs, often led by music therapists, not dance classes.
van der Steen JT and others. Music-based therapeutic interventions for people with dementia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2025.Dance can support well-being, including feeling less alone
Promising, small studies
A 2025 review of 22 studies of dance for older adults found dance often had positive effects on physical, emotional and social well-being, including feeling less lonely. Many studies were small and results varied.
Fonseca I, Rueda M, Cabanzo C. The effect of dance interventions on well-being dimensions in older adults: a systematic review. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 2025.Balance exercise reduces falls. Dance on its own is less certain
Strong for exercise; very low for dance
A Cochrane review of 108 trials found that exercise programs reduce the rate of falls in older people living at home by about 23%, with balance and functional exercise most effective. The evidence is high certainty.
A 2024 review of 41 dance studies found very low certainty evidence for dance as an alternative to strength and balance training.
Sherrington C and others. Exercise for preventing falls in older people living in the community. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2019.Green KL and others. Effectiveness of dance interventions for falls prevention in older adults: systematic review and meta-analysis. Age and Ageing, 2024.Dance movement therapy for dementia needs more research
Low evidence
The Cochrane review of dance movement therapy for dementia found only one suitable trial (204 people with mild thinking problems or dementia). It showed a slight drop in depression and little or no difference in memory or behaviour. The authors say more trials are needed before anyone can be confident.
Karkou V and others. Dance movement therapy for dementia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2023.Parkinson’s: dance may help movement a little
Low evidence
A review of 20 studies found dance modestly improved movement symptoms and some balance measures in people with Parkinson’s, with no consistent effect on thinking or quality of life.
Ismail SR and others. Evidence of disease severity, cognitive and physical outcomes of dance interventions for persons with Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Geriatrics, 2021.Staying active and connected is good for brain health
Expert consensus
The 2024 Lancet Commission lists physical inactivity, social isolation, depression, and hearing and vision loss among 14 risk factors for dementia that people can change. This is about whole populations over many years. It does not mean any one class prevents dementia.
Livingston G and others. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission. The Lancet, 2024.
What we don’t claim
Glow Inclusive classes are a social, non-medical activity. They do not treat, prevent, slow or cure dementia or any other condition, and they are not a replacement for medical care, physiotherapy or a falls prevention program prescribed by a health professional.
Our classes combine music, gentle movement and company, which research links with better mood and feeling connected, and which experts recommend for healthy ageing.
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