Background: Lifestyle-based multimodal interventions that integrate physical, sensory, cognitive and social enrichment are suggested to promote healthy mental aging and resilience against aging and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Objectives: This meta-analysis examined the efficacy of dance movement interventions (DMI) as an integrated mind–body activity on outcomes of psychological health in older adults. Methods: Pre-registration was carried out with PROSPERO (CRD42021265112). PubMed, Web of Science and PsycINFO were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCT) evaluating the effects of DMI (>4 weeks’ duration) compared to comparators on measures of psychological health (primary outcome) and cognitive function (additional outcome) among older adults without dementia (aged ≥55). Data of 14 primary RCT (n = 983, n-DMI = 494, n-control = 489) were synthesized using a random effects meta-analysis with robust variance estimation. Results: DMI had a small positive effect on overall psychological health (g = 0.30; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.06, 0.53; p = 0.02, I²= 65.04) compared to control conditions. Small effects of DMI on positive and negative psychological domains as well as quality of life were not statistically significant. DMI had a medium positive effect on general cognitive function (g = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.12, 0.89, p = 0.02, I²= 79.61) over comparators. None of the primary intervention studies evaluated measures of neuroplasticity. Conclusions: We found that DMI was effective in promoting mental health amongst older adults without dementia, suggesting that the multimodal enrichment tool is a potential strategy for health promotion and prevention of AD. High-quality intervention studies are needed to expand evidence on DMI-induced changes in specific psychological domains and identify underlying neurophysiological correlates.

Multimodal lifestyle-based interventions that integrate physical, mental and social stimulation could promote mental health and brain resilience against dementia. This meta-analysis examined the efficacy of dance movement interventions (DMI) on psychological health in older adults. Pre-registration was done with PROSPERO (CRD42021265112). PubMed, Web of Science and PsycInfo were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCT) evaluating the effects of DMI (>4 weeks’ duration) on measures of psychological health (primary outcome) and cognitive function (additional outcome) among older adults without dementia (≥55). Data of 13 primary RCT ( n =943, n-DMI =474, n-control =469) were synthesized using a random effects meta-analysis with robust variance estimation. DMI had a small positive effect on overall psychological health ( g =0.31; 95% CI : [0.09,0.53]; p =.01, I ² = 62.55) and a medium effect on general cognitive function ( g =0.48; 95% CI : [0.03,0.93], p =.04, I ² = 82.45) compared to comparators. None of the primary studies included measures of neuroplasticity. DMI may serve as a multimodal enrichment strategy to promote healthy mental aging. High-quality intervention studies are needed to expand evidence for psychological domains and identify the underlying neurophysiological correlates.

INTRODUCTION: The increasing prevalence of age‐related diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, underscores the need for accessible, cost‐effective lifestyle interventions to reduce modifiable dementia risk factors and support healthy aging.METHODS: REMINDer is a randomized controlled pilot trial evaluating the feasibility and impact of a 6‐week online, home‐based, live‐streamed multimodal group intervention delivered via videoconferencing. The program, designed for older adults, integrates music, dance movement, and mindfulness. Using a cross‐over design (AB‐BA), participants (N = 50) are randomized to receive the intervention with two 60‐min sessions per week or a passive control (with delayed intervention).RESULTS: Digital outcome assessments were conducted remotely at baseline, post‐intervention, and follow‐up. Primary outcomes include feasibility (adherence rate) and changes in mental and physical well‐being (SF‐12). Secondary outcomes include changes in multi‐domain health and lifestyle behaviors.DISCUSSION: REMINDer will provide evidence on the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a scalable online multimodal intervention to support healthy aging and reduce dementia risk.Trail Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06530277Protocol: SR‐EK‐477112023Highlights: Randomized controlled pilot trial of an online multimodal mind–body group intervention for older adults. Primary outcomes: Feasibility and changes in mental and physical well‐being. Secondary outcomes: Changes in multi‐domain health and lifestyle behaviors. Remote lifestyle intervention to promote healthy aging and prevent dementia.

Background: Lifestyle‐based motor, sensory and cognitive enrichment can target several health risk factors in the older populations by improving psychosocial, cognitive and physical (dys)function^1,2. Based on these findings, we developed a novel intervention called REMIND (An Envi r onmental E nrich m ent I ntervention to Preve n t D ementia) for the promotion of healthy aging. REMIND uses dance movement therapy (DMT) and Tango Sistema Dinzel© to integrate enriching activities based on music, movement and mind into a multimodal program.Objective: To present the REMIND program and feasibility check of the telehealth adaptation.Methods: The intervention was developed and manualized in collaboration with neuropsychologists, neuroscientists and DMT specialists. Several modes of training are employed throughout the program, consisting of the three core components “Music, Movement, and Mind”. These core components are practiced simultaneously using facilitator‐guided exercises, each consisting of motor, sensory, cognitive, emotional, and social stimulations with increasing complexity. As such REMIND enables multimodal enrichment with the goal to improve cognitive and mental health of older adults by activating beneficial brain plasticity. The adaptation of the program into the telehealth setting was assessed qualitatively in four online expert sessions for feasibility.Results: The REMIND program is published as an open access manual (doi.org/10.30819/5504) targeting the older population³. Through the simultaneous combination of motor (Movement), sensory (Music), and mental (Mind) stimulations, REMIND promotes enrichment of the body and mind. In the telehealth setting, the multimodal exercises are best practiced via an interactive video‐conference platform, adapted to the needs of older people, using small groups (n = 4‐8) and guidance of a trained facilitator. Break‐out groups, feedback rounds, and joined participation of family members are used to enhance and sustain inter‐personal contact and positive learning experiences in the digital environment. Supplementary on‐site sessions can facilitate social integration and participation.Conclusion: The REMIND program provides a low‐threshold prevention and early intervention tool that is accessible to the target group and health care system. Adaptation to the telehealth setting is cost‐effective, adaptable to individual needs and can be integrated into everyday life. A proof‐of‐concept study will evaluate feasibility and effectiveness of the REMIND program to promote psychosocial, cognitive and physical wellbeing in older adults.

Background: Good psychological health is proposed as a key factor in the protection against Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and age‐related cognitive decline¹. Multimodal motor, cognitive, sensory, and social enrichment as induced by dance‐movement interventions (DMI) could promote psychological health in the older population. This systematic review and meta‐analysis investigated the impact of DMI compared to control intervention (active/passive) on psychological health in older adults.Methods: A systematic search of three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, PsycInfo; screenings: April and November 2021) was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Criteria included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of DMI (minimum 4 weeks’ duration) on health‐related psychological outcomes (primary outcome) and global cognitive functioning (secondary outcome) among non‐demented older adults (≥ 55 years of age). A random‐effects meta‐analysis with robust variance estimation was carried out. This review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021265112).Results: Data of 13 eligible primary RCTs (n = 943, n‐DMI = 474, n‐control = 469) were synthesized. Overall heterogeneity of results and risk of bias across RCTs were high. DMI had a small positive impact on psychological health compared to control (g = 0.31; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): [0.09, 0.53]; p = .01, I² = 62.55). Separation of psychological health into positive and negative outcomes and particularly social and emotional aspects showed similar trends favouring DMI compared to control (see Figure 1). Analysis of secondary outcomes indicated a positive effect of DMI on global cognitive functioning (g = 0.48; 95%CI: [0.03, 0.93], p = .04, I² = 82.44). Exploratory subgroup analyses suggested that the implementation of longer intervention durations and psychotherapeutic elements increase the psychological health benefits of DMI.Conclusion: Multimodal interventions, as specifically offered by DMI, may serve as an effective tool to promote psychological health together with cognitive functioning in older adults. High‐quality future trials are needed to expand evidence on the particular aspects of psychological health and identify underlying neurophysiological correlates. We will present a protocol for a prospective RCT to assess the impact of a DMI on psychological, cognitive and brain health outcomes in the older population at increased risk of AD.References¹Livingston G, et al. Lancet 2020.

Background: The increase in life expectancy and age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, is a global challenge. Given the drawbacks of pharmacological treatments, it is important to pursue non-pharmacological strategies for dementia risk reduction. To effectively promote health and well-being in later life, multimodal, low-threshold, and cost-effective lifestyle interventions are needed. Methods: REMINDer is a monocentric, outcome assessor-blinded, randomized controlled pilot study to assess the feasibility and impact of an online (home-based and live-streamed) multimodal intervention. The 6-week (two one-hour sessions/week) mind-body group intervention will be compared to a 6-week passive control (waitlist with delayed intervention) using a cross-over (AB-BA) design. The intervention was designed for older adults and includes music, dance-based movement, and mindfulness. A total of N =50 cognitively unimpaired older adults will be enrolled and randomized into the two intervention arms using a block randomization with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Results: Outcomes will be assessed at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and follow-up using digital assessments of online questionnaires. Primary outcomes include feasibility, operationalized by adherence rates, and preliminary effectiveness of the intervention. The latter will be assessed by changes in self-reported mental and physical well-being, operationalized by the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12). Secondary outcomes will include changes in cognitive, motor, sensory, emotional/affective, social, and lifestyle health behaviors. Discussion: The study will provide evidence of the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of an online multimodal mind-body intervention based on “Arts for Health” activities. If successful, the study may inform accessible lifestyle strategies to improve mental health and well-being and other risk factors for dementia in older adults. Trail Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT06530277 Protocol: SR-EK-477112023