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Practicing the Mexican street dance could be the next therapy doctors may prescribe to patients of Dementia. A new study claims that twice in a week sessions of Danzón, a Latin ballroom-style dance, could bring improvement to the mood and behavior of Dementia patients.

The researchers have found that following the simple steps while enjoying the music and having fun, could significantly reduce apathy and agitation in patients. Both of these conditions are currently treated with powerful drugs.

"I found that these dance classes helped calm agitation and improved mood and quality of life for people with dementia," Researcher Guzmán García, who knows of the dance from growing up in Mexico was quoted as saying by Mail Online.

"There are also obvious advantages in terms of physical fitness. I witnessed the joy people got from taking part in the dancing and for residents who were watching, the laughter and happy memories it generated," he added.

Danzón is the official genre and dance of Cuba and an active musical form in Mexico. Originating in the 17 century in England, it is very popular in Mexico today among older adults who enjoy the dance sessions on the streets.

The staff members at the Rosewood Villa Residential Home in Newcastle report that the patients find the 30-minute sessions mentally stimulating and enjoyable.

 "We could see how much people enjoyed the dancing and it brought back some lovely memories which they were able to share with us of when they were younger. We found that the men wanted to join in with the dancing and this is important to us as it can be harder to find activities that they want to take part in. On the days when the dancing was on, the men made an effort to dress smartly and told us how they were looking forward to it which was really nice,"' Mary Watson, the home's owner, said according to the report.

The residents of the house also report enjoying the dance routine a lot.

"The Danzón activity was enjoyed by both the residents and staff and improved the communication between the two groups. Reductions in residents' agitation and apathy were also seen, which is noteworthy because often these conditions are treated with medications known to have highly problematic side-effects," Dr Ian James, who supervised the study published in the journal Dementia, said.

Dr García, PhD at Newcastle University, suggests all care homes to consider structured and regular dance sessions which could prove very useful for the betterment of Dementia patients.