Assessing the Acceptability and Potential Emotional Well-Being Outcomes of a Digital, Intergenerational Music Program for Older Adults Living with Dementia

Journal

Journal of Intergenerational Relationships

Year

2025

Abstract

Cases of Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease-related dementia are expected to triple in the next thirty years. Consequences of the disease include a decline in emotional well-being, which was exacerbated by the isolation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined the acceptability and potential effects of a digital, intergenerational music intervention delivered by adolescent musicians on the affect and emotions of older adults living with dementia. The study was exploratory, followed a pre- post- test design, and had 14 participants. Affect was examined using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule and emotion was observed using the Observed Emotion Rating Scale. Additionally, this study assessed acceptability by asking participants about their willingness to continue and gathering qualitative feedback in focus groups. Results showed an increase in positive affect and positive trends in duration of sustained pleasure and alertness, as well as a high percentage of willingness to continue and positive feedback. Digital, intergenerational music is a promising intervention to continue examining in future studies.

Music and Health Institute Terms

Neurodegenerative Disorders; Alzheimer's and Related Dementias; Wellness and Well-Being; Mental Health; Emotional Functioning; Psychological Outcomes; Elderly; Music-based Interventions; Social Isolation; Observational Measures

Indexed Terms

adolescents; Alzheimer’s; dementia; emotional well-being

Study Type

Case Study; Qualitative Methods

PubMed ID

Publisher: Routledge _eprint: https://doi.org/10.1080/15350770.2024.2342905

Document Type

Article

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