Active Music Therapy for Persons With Dementia and Their Family Caregivers

Journal

International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry

Year

2016

Abstract

Presents a study which aims to investigate possible effects of this approach in reducing behavioral disturbances (BPSD) in person with dementia (PWD) and in improving psychological and stress conditions in family caregivers (FC). Behavioral disturbances and in particular depression showed a global decrease: the most part of PWD improved in psychological outcomes showing a positive trend. This trend underlined a possible relationship between the improvement and AMT treatment. Significant results were obtained on FC in anxiety and burden reduction in which all subjects showed a remarkable improvement at T1 and sometimes also at follow-up. Also in depression symptom, the most part of FC slightly improved. These preliminary data proved the effects of AMT approach both on PWD and their FC, in particular on behavioral and psychological symptoms. The intervention was perceived by FC as an important support in the management of PWDs’ behavioral and communicative disturbances. Thus, sonorous-music and nonverbal communication led by a trained music therapist can be considered a possible way to promote the relationship between PWD and FC reducing their feeling of frustration and the burden caused by management disease. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)

Music and Health Institute Terms

Alzheimer's and Related Dementias; Elderly; Anxiety; Behavioral State; Caregivers; Depression; Music Therapy; Neurodegenerative Disorders; Psychological Outcomes; Stress

Indexed Terms

active music therapy; persons with dementia; family caregivers; behavioral disturbances; Behavior Problems; Caregivers; Dementia

Study Type

Quasi-Experimental Study; Quantitative Methods

Document Type

Article

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