Dance for Memory/Dans for Hukommelsen

Dance for Memory is a research project targeting adults aged 65 years and older who experience subjective memory complaints (SMC). SMC refer to self-perceived cognitive difficulties and are recognised as an important early risk marker for subsequent cognitive decline and dementia. Intervening at this stage provides a valuable opportunity for prevention, before more pronounced impairment emerges. Ballroom dancing integrates structured physical activity, cognitive stimulation (e.g., learning choreographies, coordination, rhythm, role-switching), and meaningful social interaction.

The project has three phases:
1. The intervention is developed through a participatory co-creation process involving older adults with SMC and providers working with the target population, for example dance teachers. This ensures that the programme is relevant, acceptable, and feasible within a Danish context. Two manuals will be created, one for the intervention and one for the communication style of the dance teachers.
2. The intervention is tested in a pilot study to assess feasibility, adherence, and preliminary outcomes.
3. Finally, the programme will be evaluated in a large-scale randomised controlled trial (RCT) with a waitlist control design conducted across the three main Danish cities: Aarhus, Copenhagen, and Odense. This phase will allow for rigorous testing of effectiveness on cognitive, physiological and psychosocial outcomes, such as fall risk and quality of life.

Dance for Memory aims to contribute high-quality evidence to the field of dementia prevention, in particular for the group with SMC. In doing so, it seeks to demonstrate how a culturally embedded activity such as ballroom dance may serve as a scalable, community-based strategy to support cognitive health in ageing populations.