Barbara Salsberg Mathews, diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2020, has found solace in dance amidst the challenges brought on by the disease. Embracing the rhythm has allowed her to feel like herself again, restoring fluidity and freedom to her movements as muscle weakness and stiffness settled in over time.
Recent studies indicate that dance can potentially slow down the progression of Parkinson’s disease. This has prompted the launch of an innovative national online arts platform in Canada, connecting individuals with Parkinson’s to various artistic programs, including singing and dancing. Leading this initiative is Rebecca Barnstaple, an assistant theatre professor at the University of Guelph, who aims to promote well-being and empowerment through participation in the arts.
Barnstaple’s project is part of a broader trend known as social prescribing, which leverages social services to enhance overall health and address gaps in healthcare systems. By encouraging individuals with movement disorders like Parkinson’s to engage in dance, she hopes to challenge misconceptions and inspire a newfound sense of vitality.
With over 110,000 Canadians currently living with Parkinson’s disease, a number projected to exceed 150,000 within the next decade, the condition is set to become the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder. Dr. Alfonso Fasano, a neurologist at the University Health Network in Toronto, emphasizes the importance of proactive measures for individuals with Parkinson’s, given the significant wait times for specialized care in Canada.
Exercise, particularly aerobic activities like dance, has been recommended for individuals with Parkinson’s to counteract symptoms associated with the disease. Regular engagement in dance not only enhances balance, coordination, and flexibility but also offers mental benefits that traditional workouts may not provide. Research indicates that dance classes can improve cognition and stability in individuals with Parkinson’s, underscoring the multifaceted benefits of this form of movement therapy.
As the popularity of dance classes for Parkinson’s patients grows nationwide, individuals like Ken Wickens in Windsor, Ont., are experiencing the transformative power of movement. Wickens, who has lived with Parkinson’s for 12 years, finds fulfillment in staying active and being a part of a vibrant community through dance classes. The sense of connection and interaction fostered in these classes is viewed as a potent form of medicine by researchers like Barnstaple, highlighting the healing potential of human connection.
In the quest to understand the precise mechanisms by which dance influences individuals with Parkinson’s, ongoing research aims to uncover the neurological and cognitive impacts of this therapeutic practice. As Barnstaple’s project prepares to launch in April, the hope is that more individuals will embrace the healing power of dance and forge meaningful connections through the arts.
