Tango for Older People With Dementia

Cognitive impairment (CI) is the leading cause of loss of autonomy and has a huge impact on physical performance and quality of life (QOL) in older people. Pharmacological treatments currently available have modest efficacy at best. Dance as both artistic and physical activity, combining emotions, social interaction, and sensory stimulation, therefore appears as a non-pharmacological intervention, which could contribute to the prevention of functional decline.

Among all the existing dances, tango occupies a special place because of the cultural and emotional resonance it carries, but also because of what it leads to motor mobilization (variations in the rhythm of walking, rotation of the belts, weight transfers...). These characteristics seem to make the tango an excellent tool for the rehabilitation of balance and gait, as well as for the prevention of the loss of autonomy in older adults with CI.

The objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of an intervention based on tango and classical physical activity.

CI is a major cause of loss of independence in older people. Alterations in balance and gait are very often present, these worsen the overall condition of the patient and are a sign of poor prognosis. Consequently, the quality of life of the patient and his family is severely affected. The pharmacological treatments currently available aim to alleviate the symptoms. Current data support the modest efficacy of these treatments at best. Non-pharmacological interventions (NPI) are key tools for improving physical performance, functional abilities, cognitive, psychological and social functioning. The benefits of NPIs are observed daily in the field. To be better known, recognized and deployed more widely, it is essential to evaluate their effects and their implementation in a scientific way by following the criteria of evidence-based medicine. Dancing is widely appreciated by older people. "It is both an artistic and physical activity that combines emotions, social interaction, sensory stimulation, thus creating enriched environmental conditions for the elderly". Tango in particular has been used as a therapeutic instrument for a long time. Its regular practice has benefits in many aspects of health and can have a positive impact on cognitive abilities, as it requires sustained attention. Studies on tango as a therapy in Parkinson's disease have shown its effectiveness in improving psychomotor and cognitive signs and especially in the quality of life. Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits that dance-based interventions can bring, far outweighing the risk of falls they represent. From a motor point of view, tango is a moderate-intensity exercise in which static and dynamic postural control is stimulated. This dance, based on walking, proves to be an excellent tool for rehabilitation, prevention of falls, as well as for the prevention of functional decline in older people with CI.

Objectives: The general goal of this project is to analyze the effects of tango on physical abilities, gait and quality of life of older people with C

Secondary objectives:

* Evaluate the effectiveness of this type of program compared to traditional treatment.
* Refine the characteristics of effective management, concerning the dose, frequency, and duration of intervention.
* Analyze the effects of tango on the spatiotemporal parameters of walking.

General hypotheses: Various studies have highlighted the positive effects of tango face of different conditions, including Parkinson's disease. Based on these findings, the investigators hypothesize that tango interventions have a positive effect on physical abilities and quality of life in older adults with CI.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Over 65 years old
* MMSE \< 21
* agreed to participate
* lived permanently in the nursing home
* able to walk 10 meters without human assistance

Exclusion Criteria:

* medical contraindications,
* limited life expectancy
* bedridden persons.