In Argentina, tango helps manage Parkinson's symptoms.

Innovative Tango Therapy for Parkinson's Patients

• Program Overview: In Buenos Aires, an innovative treatment program utilizing tango has engaged around 200 Parkinson's patients over the past 15 years at Ramos Mejia Hospital, focusing on the dance's impact on the disease's symptoms.
• Therapeutic Benefits: Neurologists highlight that tango addresses gait disorders, a common issue in Parkinson's, by promoting movement strategies such as starting and stopping steps.

Positive Outcomes from Tango Workshops

• Patient Experiences: Many participants report significant alleviation of symptoms, including overcoming motor blocks. For instance, one patient uses the "figure eight" tango step to break free from freezing episodes.
• Building Sensory Pathways: Tango helps create a "sensory pathway" that aids in walking, complementing traditional pharmaceutical treatments for Parkinson's.

Emotional and Social Impact

• Improved Well-being: Participants like Lidia Beltran, who joined the workshop to combat her Parkinson's diagnosis, express that dancing enhances their stability and mood, contributing to a better quality of life.
• Social Interaction: The workshops also combat social isolation and depression, common among Parkinson's patients, by fostering a supportive community environment.

Structured Evaluations and Cognitive Benefits

• Annual Assessments: Neurologist Sergio Rodriguez mentions that yearly evaluations show improvements in cognitive skills, motor skills, gait, and balance among participants.
• Multi-tasking in Dance: Tango's requirement for rhythm, direction, and partner cues provides multiple cognitive challenges, which are beneficial for managing Parkinson's symptoms.

Community and Joy in Dance

• Therapist Involvement: Dance therapists like Manuco Firmani guide the sessions, ensuring that patients dance with partners who do not have Parkinson's, enhancing the experience.
• Celebration of Movement: The atmosphere at the end of each class is filled with applause and satisfaction, emphasizing the joy and therapeutic value of dance for participants.