Music-Based Therapeutic Interventions Show Promise in Reducing Dementia Symptoms

Strategic Insights -

Music-based interventions have long been hailed as a potential therapy for people with dementia, with positive effects on mood and wellbeing reported in previous studies. However, the specific benefits of music compared to non-musical activities remain unclear. A recent study, published on osf.io, aimed to isolate the music-specific positive effects of a music intervention on people with dementia from general, nonspecific effects of participating in a stimulating group activity. The study, which involved 15 nursing home residents diagnosed with dementia, found that both singing and conversation activities can positively affect people with dementia, with neither clearly outperforming the other.

Key Takeaways:

  • 15 nursing home residents diagnosed with dementia participated in a music and a conversation activity, which differed only with respect to the presence of music.
  • The singing activity reduced professional caregiver burden, while the conversation activity increased wellbeing.
  • No difference was found between music and conversation in eliciting engagement and affect during the activities.
  • Both singing and conversation activities can positively affect people with dementia.
  • The findings of this study need to be confirmed in future larger studies.
  • The study discussed the feasibility of its design and implications for future studies examining music-specific positive effects on people with dementia.

Statistics:

  • 15 nursing home residents with dementia participated in the study.
  • The study lasted for five weeks.
  • The Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI-NH) was used to assess behavioural symptoms before and after the intervention.
  • The Quality of Life in Late-Stage Dementia (QUALID) scale was used to assess wellbeing.
  • The Menorah Park Engagement Scale (MPES) and the Observed Emotion Rating Scale (OERS) were used to assess engagement and affect during the activities.

Sources:

  • osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/6qmdz_v1 (preprinted abstract)
  • osf.io (platform for research preprints)
  • Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI-NH)
  • Quality of Life in Late-Stage Dementia (QUALID) scale
  • Menorah Park Engagement Scale (MPES)
  • Observed Emotion Rating Scale (OERS)