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Momentum and New Horizons! Allegro-Inclusive Dance Strengthens its Transnational Collaboration
Last Monday, October 6, 2025, the partners of the Allegro-Inclusive Dance project—AENMA (Spain), BIDA (Germany), and PHOENIX (Malta)—held an important online coordination meeting. These meetings are key to ensuring that our innovative project, focused on disseminating the Psychoballet methodology for older people with cognitive impairment, maintains its course with the highest quality.
The meeting, coordinated by AENMA, served to review the path traveled so far and strengthen the future planning of the project.
The Great Achievements Driving Us Forward
We are very proud of the solid foundation we have built. In the initial phase of the project development, highly valuable aspects were identified that we want to maintain and highlight for the final report:
Solid Foundations: The structure of the application and the precise identification of needs were positively evaluated.
Strategic Planning: We have a Risk Minimization Plan (risk matrix) which has been rated as very important.
Focus and Quality: The use of focus groups with users and professionals to define the activities, as well as the existence of well-defined selection criteria, are strong points that highlight the quality of our design.
Active Collaboration: A fundamental element for success is the common interest among all partners, which ensures that we work as a compact team to achieve our objectives.
Clarification of Roles and Progress: During the October meeting, significant progress was made in the clear definition of the leadership of each activity. It was reinforced that each project activity must have a leading entity responsible for setting the schedule and communicating it to the other partners.
PHOENIX (Malta) has taken the lead in the Psychoballet pilot workshops, in addition to coordinating the documentary activity (toolbox and documentary).
BIDA (Germany) reinforced its role leading the dissemination and communication of the project on the website.
This balanced distribution of tasks demonstrates and guarantees the commitment and active contribution of all institutions.
Flexibility and Effectiveness: The decision to reprogram the transnational meeting by combining it with the training course in Spain proved to be highly positive, strengthening the bond between the partners and allowing the exchange of specific knowledge.
Our Next Key Challenges
The Allegro project continues to advance, and we face exciting challenges that will take us to the final stretch. The success of the project's final evaluation depends on placing more emphasis on certain actions. The main challenges we have yet to address include:
Maximum Visibility and Dissemination: Dissemination and impact are fundamental, accounting for 40% of the project evaluation. Our great challenge is to ensure that the website contains more news, images, videos, and actions carried out, and that a detailed dissemination calendar led by BIDA is developed.
Ensuring Replicability: It is crucial that all generated material, such as the videos in the toolbox, be available under an open-access license (e.g., Creative Commons), allowing the non-commercial use by third parties and facilitating the replication of our project throughout Europe.
Documentary Unification: We continue working on the management of necessary documentation. It is a constant challenge to ensure that all information and participant selection procedures are applied consistently to guarantee a quality evaluation of the results. For instance, regarding the evaluation scales, we must ensure that we indicate "Participant 1, Participant 2..." instead of full names, as some individuals do not authorize the use of their data.
Visual Identity of the Program: We must ensure that EU funding and the Erasmus+ and EU logos are visible on all our platforms and products.
Coordination Milestones: Looking ahead, we are already planning our next online meeting for January 2026 (with the possibility of bringing it forward if needs or doubts arise) and, most importantly, our next face-to-face meeting in Malta in February 2026, where we will be able to evaluate the project and plan the exploitation of results.
With the collaborative work and dedication of all partners, we are confident that we will achieve these objectives to conclude the Allegro project with the impact and quality it deserves.
Living with Dementia: Searching for Answers and Hope
There are currently around 1.8 million people living with dementia in Germany. What do we know today about its causes, treatments and prevention? Dr Eckart von Hirschhausen joins researchers in searching for answers to questions such as: What exactly is dementia? What happens in the brain, and how can the disease be diagnosed? To find out, the doctor and science journalist tests himself. He meets people with various forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer's, and learns how it is possible to live a good life with the disease. The Super Ager Study conducted by the University of Magdeburg also shows the role that brain training and fitness can play in prevention. Please see in the link below:
The Power of Dance in Dementia Care
Recent research highlights the growing potential of dance as a non-pharmacological intervention for older adults living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment. A 2023 meta-analysis covering 29 studies and over 1,700 participants found that dance-movement interventions significantly improved global cognition, memory, balance and reduced depression in this population. PubMed+2Scholars+2
While evidence on executive function remains inconclusive, dance remains an affordable, engaging and accessible complement to conventional care, offering physical, cognitive and emotional benefits for older adults and their caregivers alike. PubMed+1
Helping Parkinson’s sufferers through dance: one woman’s mission
Natalie Muschamp is a former professional dancer. She now dedicates her time to help Parkinson’s sufferers and relatives. She speaks to MARIANNA CALLEJA about her dream to set up a dedicated Parkinson’s centre
In a dance studio in Swieqi, a group of individuals gather every week, united by their shared experiences and a desire for hope and healing. Leading them is Natalie Muschamp, a former professional dancer who is dedicating her life to using the power of dance to help people with Parkinson’s disease. Having witnessed the toll, the illness took on her aunt’s partner, she felt a deep connection to the cause. Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects the brain and results in involuntary movements, including shaking, stiffness, and challenges with balance and coordination. These symptoms typically worsen gradually as the condition advances. In later stages of the disease, individuals may experience difficulties with walking and speaking.
With sparkling eyes and beaming smile Natalie spoke of her passion for dance. It began at a young age. She studied dance and honed her skills, dreaming of a career on the stage. However, fate had different plans for her when she arrived in Malta. She chose to utilise dance as a means of treatment for not only people with Parkinson’s but also their caregivers. It was during her time at the University of Malta, that Natalie discovered the remarkable impact dance could have on individuals with Parkinson’s disease. “What really spoke to me is my aunt, and her partner who passed away after suffering of Parkinson’s. After his passing, she walked a pilgrimage all the way from Amsterdam to Rome and wrote a book about it,” Natalie told me. But what started as a personal journey soon evolved into something much greater - a movement that would touch over 200 lives in Malta. “I looked at my aunt and realised the burden her partner’s disease had on her. I realised there is no support for a caregiver, not just Parkinson’s, but of any other illness,” she said. She immersed herself in research, exploring the potential of creative movement in helping those with Parkinson’s and their carers. The journey led her to develop a methodology centred around communication, expression, and connection. “Dancing like no one is watching, or really letting go... or even screaming, it’s kind of a relief. So, I tried to provide a space where individuals could feel a sense of belonging, a respite from being solely identified as patients or caregivers, but instead be husband and wife, father and a daughter.” Eager to turn her vision into reality, Natalie reached out to the Malta Parkinson’s Disease Association. Despite being a student at the time, she secured their support and connected with physiotherapist Amy Dimech. With the association’s assistance, Natalie organised the first pilot course, which, with time, evolved into a free-of-charge service. She sought guidance from former President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, who shared insights on applying for funds. Thanks to the support from the Community Chest Fund Foundation, Step Up for Parkinson’s was able to offer two classes free of charge for a year. The response was overwhelming, with the number of participants growing from 10 to 50 and eventually reaching over 200 just before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Step Up for Parkinson’s has since become a beacon of hope for the Parkinson’s community in Malta, but the organisation is now looking into establishing their own dedicated Parkinson’s centre, while also training local professionals to aid people with Parkinson’s. “In Malta, we only have one person specializing in Parkinson’s, and she does not live in Malta either. She has to commute from Gozo when she is needed.” To address this, Step Up for Parkinson’s is organising a fundraising marathon. This 12-hour event will be broadcasted live ONE, NET Television, and F-living, on Wednesday 7 June.
People with dementia in Malta expected to double by 2050
Government launches seven-year national strategy to address the condition
NationalHealthMental healthGovernment
20 de febrero de 2024| Mark Laurence Zammit
The number of elderly people in Malta is expected to shoot up. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
The government launched a national strategy on Tuesday to combat the growing problem of dementia, as the number of people with the condition in Malta is expected to more than double between 2018 and 2050. A total of 6,552 were registered to have dementia in 2018. That figure is expected to reach 14,117 by 2050. The increase is due to a significant rise in the number of people aged over 75 and particularly those over 85 years, which is expected to more than triple by 2050, according to the experts behind the initiative. Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela, who launched the strategy, said one of the main reasons dementia has become more prevalent is increased longevity, which is a major risk factor for the development of the condition. "The more we improve our healthcare system, the longer people will live, the higher the number of people who make it to an advanced age, and the more likely they become to develop dementia," he said on Tuesday. "This is a paradox we cannot escape from, but I am thoroughly proud of the improvements we've made in this sector." 'Reaching new heights' The seven-year National Dementia Strategy aims to "reach new heights" by significantly improving the quality of life and services of people with the condition. The strategy will strive to increase awareness and understanding of dementia, educate the public and train healthcare personnel to detect the symptoms and diagnose it as early as possible, help diagnosed people live well with dementia and increase general awareness on how to reduce the risks. Dementia is an umbrella term that refers to several conditions and symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills, severe enough to reduce a person's ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, causing problems with memory, thinking and behaviour. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. Precautionary measures include reducing obesity, promoting balanced diets, quitting smoking and alcohol consumption, encouraging social engagement, and preventing or managing diabetes, hypertension and depression. The latest studies show such measures could help the population reduce the risk of developing the condition, the strategy said. According to Eurostat data published last October, Malta recorded the highest rate of deaths caused by dementia in Europe, with just over 80 deaths per 100,000 people in 2020.
The Melody of the Broken Heart: Dancing Against Oblivion and Overload
Neurodegenerative Diseases (NDs) are not mere medical diagnoses; they are stories of progressive loss that silently transform the lives of those affected and their loved ones. We speak of processes that involve the progressive death of neurons in the nervous system, translating into a deterioration of memory, language, and behavior (as in Alzheimer's) or motor alterations, tremors, and rigidity (as in Parkinson's). This complex reality creates a multi-vulnerability that touches the body, mind, and soul.
For the affected person, every day is a struggle to retain autonomy and connection with reality. Compounding the physical and cognitive challenges is the profound risk of unwanted loneliness. Social-affective detachment is a cause of anxiety, low self-esteem, and a predictor of cognitive decline. The challenge for specialized care is not just to slow the progression of symptoms, but to preserve dignity, emotional well-being, and social connection throughout the disease's course.
The Hidden Cost: The Caregiver’s Silent Battle
The diagnosis of an ND precipitates a profound transformation in the entire family unit. The reality is that the majority of caregivers—most often women—assume responsibilities that generate immense physical, emotional, and social overload. This overwhelming burden frequently results in the notorious Caregiver Burnout Syndrome.
The statistics paint a stark picture of this sacrifice:
60% of caregivers require pharmacological treatment, rehabilitation, or physiotherapy as a direct consequence of their caregiving tasks.
40% report economic difficulties arising from the necessary care.
11% have had to prematurely abandon their employment.
Families have become the immense, zero-cost support providers for the system, yet the cost incurred by the caregivers themselves is "very high". They urgently require respite services, psychological support, and specialized therapeutic attention to manage chronic stress and emotional burden.
Movement as Therapy and Relief: The Benefits of Inclusive Dance
In the face of the rigidity imposed by the disease and the chronic stress of caregiving, scientific evidence strongly supports the effectiveness of non-pharmacological treatments. Investing in comprehensive care means improving and maintaining the quality of life for both patients and their families.
A specialized care project, designed around a person-centered approach, seeks to articulate prevention, treatment, and psychosocial accompaniment. One of the most innovative and powerful methodologies incorporated to achieve this is Inclusive Dance (Activity No. 5).
Inclusive Dance: An Emotional Bridge
Inclusive Dance is an activity that intentionally combines movement, dance, theatre, music, and scenography to incentivize the well-being and quality of life of older adults with cognitive impairment. It creates a space where verbal and non-verbal expression connects with sensations and emotions.
This innovative approach—which may utilize techniques such as Psicoballet (a technique historically used with people with intellectual disabilities, now adapted experimentally for older adults with NDs in Europe)—offers established benefits across three critical areas:
Physical Well-being: It works to improve coordination, rhythm, movement, and autonomy. Physical activities are crucial as they delay the progression of symptoms, enhance mobility, balance, and overall sleep quality.
Cognitive Stimulation: It exercises imitation, memory, attention, and concentration.
Emotional and Relational Well-being: It promotes creativity, motivation, self-esteem, relaxation, and fosters interpersonal relationships.
The Dance of Inclusion: Respite and Connection
The profound potential of the Inclusive Dance activity lies in its function as a tool to mitigate caregiver overload.
This activity is explicitly designed as an inclusive activity and a community intervention. It generates groups of artistic expression where volunteers, caregivers of different ages, professionals, and seniors with cognitive impairment interact as equals in a dynamic of exchange and intergenerational learning. The activity takes place in external community spaces like a facility ceded by the CEPA, fostering community integration.
For caregivers, participating alongside their loved ones or knowing they are engaged in this activity provides critical benefits:
Respite and Leisure: It serves as a necessary space for enjoying free time, achieving emotional distension, and fostering interpersonal relationships—elements vital to preventing caregiver burnout.
Positive Impact: By promoting the emotional and physical well-being of the patients, the project "positively impacts their caregivers". The joy and enthusiasm expressed by patients about attending the center (as seen in testimonials) underscore the fostered emotional and social well-being.
Inclusive Dance offers a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants, using artistic expression as a powerful means to channel emotions, relieve tension, and combat the loneliness that burdens both the patient and the family. It serves as a vivid demonstration that movement and connection can continue to enrich life, even when facing neurodegenerative disease.
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Empowering seniors through inclusive dance methodologies.
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