Wu Tao reduces dementia symptoms

A study by Alzheimer’s Australia WA has shown Wu Tao – a dance relaxation therapy developed by Perth woman Michelle Locke – may help to improve the lives of people living with dementia.

Formerly a professional ballet dancer, Ms Locke developed Wu Tao – a combination of meditation, music and dance – in 2001 after her youngest daughter became ill with Rett Syndrome, which is a neurodevelopmental disorder of the grey matter of the brain.

Wu Tao is taught in a number of WA residential aged care facilities, although more funding is needed to train additional staff in its implementation.

Alzheimer Australia WA’s, Debbie Duignan, who led the study, says Wu Tao dance therapy may reduce the effects of agitation common to people with dementia, as well as increase the “quality of life indicators” such as feelings of wellbeing, happiness and relaxation.

“We were really encouraged by the positive results. Wu Tao is a therapeutic intervention that is easy to implement by trained staff and, as the study shows, can improve the lives of people living with the symptoms of dementia, as well as bringing life and fun to any residential facility,” Ms Duignan says.

Low care residents with symptoms of agitation were trialled over six weeks with a trained instructor. The therapy reportedly lifted the spirits of residents and staff with an increase in communication – during and after each session.

Ms Duignan claimed Wu Tao therapy was an alternative approach to other available therapies and could assist in reducing the serious and damaging over-use of anti-psychotic medication used in dementia treatment. 

Alzheimer’s Australia WA supports the use of evidence based therapies before considering the use of medication.

Ms Locke will be holding a Wu Tao dance therapy workshop for health care workers during October.  For more information, contact Ms Locke on 0417 989 397 or email taodancer@gmail.com