Emotional and Behavioural Responses to Music in People With Dementia: An Observational Study

Journal

Aging & Mental Health

Year

2004

Abstract

Using continuous time sampling and direct observation methodology, this study examined the impact of social interaction in music listening on behavioural responses of people with moderate-to-severe dementia (n = 24). Using Kitwood's theory of personhood as a framework, it was hypothesized that levels of well-being and engagement would be greatest during a live music condition compared with recorded and no music conditions and that levels of challenging behaviour would decrease most in the live music conditions compared with the other music conditions. The relationship between severity of cognitive impairment and well-being, engagement and challenging behaviours across conditions was also examined. The findings suggest that live music was significantly more effective in increasing levels of engagement and well-being regardless of level of cognitive impairment. No significant differences across conditions were found for challenging behaviours, but the correlation between these and cognitive impairment revealed mixed results. Clinical implications regarding the use of live music in dementia care settings are highlighted and recommendations for future research of interventions aimed at reducing challenging behaviours are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)

Music and Health Institute Terms

Alzheimer's and Related Dementias; Behavioral State; Engagement; Interpersonal Problems; Live Music Listening; Mental Health; Music and Healing; Music Listening; Neurodegenerative Disorders; Psychological Outcomes; Recorded Music Listening; Wellness and Well-Being

Indexed Terms

live music; cognitive impairment; emotional & behavioral responses; dementia; social interaction; well-being; engagement; impairment severity; Elderly; Elderly; Emotions; Interpersonal Relations; Severity of Illness Index; Behavior; Emotional Responses; Auditory Perception; Behavior Problems; Cognitive Ability; Severity (Disorders); Well Being

Study Type

Quasi-Experimental Study; Quantitative Methods

Document Type

Article

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