Mixed methods feasibility study of Music Attuned Technology Care via eHealth (MATCH) for people with complex behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia within an acute psychogeriatric ward

Journal

Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association

Year

2025

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Music-based strategies can reduce distress, agitation, and promote wellbeing in people with dementia. Research in specialized dementia care units is limited. METHODS: Mixed-methods pre-post study evaluated the feasibility and preliminary effects of Music Attuned Technology Care via eHealth (MATCH) in a dementia-specialized inpatient ward. Staff completed MATCH training and administered MATCH strategies over 8 weeks with enrolled patients. RESULTS: Twenty-four staff and 14 patients were recruited. Severity of dementia symptoms, measured by the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire, was reduced (median change: -3.0, 95% CI: -9.5, 0.5), especially agitation (median change -3.0, 95% confidence interval -5.5, -0.5). Staff reported high acceptability of MATCH (median score: 13 [interquartile range: 12-14]) and implementing strategies enhanced person-centered care. Patients' positive responses to music motivated increased use. No changes in staff knowledge or patient depression were found. DISCUSSION: MATCH was acceptable to staff and showed potential to reduce agitation symptoms and medication use, warranting further trials to determine effectiveness. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The clinical trial is registered with the Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12623001134617). HIGHLIGHTS: MATCH decreased the severity of dementia symptoms, measured by the NPI-Q. Staff reported high acceptability of MATCH. Personalized music enhanced person-centered care. Patients' positive responses to music motivated increased use. No changes in staff knowledge or patient depression were found.

Music and Health Institute Terms

Neurodegenerative Disorders; Alzheimer's and Related Dementias; Distress; Agitation; Wellness and Well-Being; Psychological Outcomes; Behavioral State; Observational Measures; Subjective Measures; Music-based Interventions; Music Listening; Music Medicine

Indexed Terms

Elderly; Elderly; behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia; dementia; Dementia; Feasibility Studies; music interventions; Psychomotor Agitation; Surveys and Questionnaires; Telemedicine

Study Type

Quasi-Experimental Study; Quantitative Methods

PubMed ID

PMID: 40317914 PMCID: PMC12046627

Document Type

Article

More Info

Share

COinS