Date of Award
Spring 5-16-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Major
Expressive Therapies
First Advisor
Meg Chang
Abstract
This thesis explores the use of dance/movement therapy as treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The literature review covers dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, current and emerging approaches to treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, dance/movement therapy, and dance/movement therapy for individuals with dementia. The theme of dance/movement therapy as a person- centered treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is explored. The efficacy and outcomes of dance/movement therapy with the population are examined. Key components of dance/movement therapy with this population emerged. These elements, social, physical, and sensory, are described and connected to person-centered outcomes for treatment. Applications for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and areas for further research in the field are discussed.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
Recommended Citation
Thatcher, Margaret Carson, "Dance/Movement Therapy as a Person-Centered Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Through Physical, Social, and Sensory Elements: A Literature Review" (2026). Expressive Therapies Theses. 130.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_therapies_theses/130
