Participation in Active Singing Leads to Cognitive Improvements in Individuals With Dementia

Journal

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society

Year

2015

Abstract

Present study aims to examine effect of music in cognitive improvements in individuals with dementia. Music has been shown to be an effective management strategy for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and has been shown to reduce agitation, antisocial behavior, depression, aggression, and anxiety. Thus, the effect of active singing on measures of cognition and life satisfaction was examined. The study was performed at an east coast assisted living facility. Singing and listening groups (N = 45) received three vocal music sessions per week. Vocal music programming included familiar (nostalgic) and nonfamiliar (novel) vocal music selections in four, 50-minute singing programs. Music has been shown to be an effective management strategy for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and has been shown to reduce agitation, antisocial behavior, depression, aggression, and anxiety. Thus, the effect of active singing on measures of cognition and life satisfaction was examined. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)

Music and Health Institute Terms

Agitation; Alzheimer's and Related Dementias; Anxiety; Cognitive Abilities; Depression; Elderly; Long-Term Care Facility; Music and Cognition; Music Cognition; Music Listening; Neurodegenerative Disorders; Psychological Outcomes; Quality of Life; Singing a Song

Indexed Terms

vocal music; antisocial behavior; life satisfaction; listening groups; Elderly; Elderly; Cognition; Dementia; Singing; Cognitive Ability

Study Type

Quasi-Experimental Study; Quantitative Methods

Document Type

Article

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