Comparison of dance and aerobic exercise on cognition and neuropsychiatric symptoms in sedentary older adults with cognitive impairment

Key summary points Aim To investigate the distinctive effects of dance and aerobic exercise on cognitive function, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and functional abilities in older people with cognitive impairment. Findings The dance intervention significantly improved cognitive function, particularly memory recall. Both dance and aerobic exercise reduced depression and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Message It is important that dancing be practiced in senior facilities in the same way as aerobic exercise (commonly known as “gymnastique douce” in France) because of its positive effect on cognition.