Efficacy of Music Therapy in the Treatment of Behavioral and Psychiatric Symptoms of Dementia
Journal
Alzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders
Year
2008
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Music therapy (MT) has been proposed as valid approach for behavioral and psychologic symptoms (BPSD) of dementia. However, studies demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach are lacking. OBJECTIVE: To assess MT effectiveness in reducing BPSD in subjects with dementia. METHOD: Fifty-nine persons with dementia were enrolled in this study. All of them underwent a multidimensional assessment including Mini Mental State Examination, Barthel Index and Neuropsychiatry Inventory at enrollment and after 8, 16, and 20 weeks. Subjects were randomly assigned to experimental (n=30) or control (n=29) group. The MT sessions were evaluated with standardized criteria. The experimental group received 30 MT sessions (16 wk of treatment), whereas the control group received educational support or entertainment activities. RESULTS: NPI total score significantly decreased in the experimental group at 8th, 16th, and 20th weeks (interaction time x group: F3,165=5.06, P=0.002). Specific BPSD (ie, delusions, agitation, anxiety, apathy, irritability, aberrant motor activity, and night-time disturbances) significantly improved. The empathetic relationship and the patients' active participation in the MT approach, also improved in the experimental group. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that MT is effective to reduce BPSD in patients with moderate-severe dementia.
Music and Health Institute Terms
Anxiety; Distress; Elderly; Emotional Func; Mental Health; Music Listening; Music Medicine; Neurodegenerative Disorders; Psychological Outcomes; Quality of Life; Recorded Music Listening; Sleep Quality; Symptom Management; Willingness to Undergo Procedure
Indexed Terms
Elderly; Elderly; Behavioral Symptoms; Dementia; Mental Status Schedule; Neurotic Disorders; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Psychomotor Agitation; Sampling Studies
Study Type
Randomized Controlled Trial; Quantitative Methods
PubMed ID
18525288
Document Type
Article
Recommended Citation
Raglio, A., Bellelli, G., Traficante, D., Gianotti, M., Ubezio, M. C., Villani, D., & Trabucchi, M. (2008). Efficacy of Music Therapy in the Treatment of Behavioral and Psychiatric Symptoms of Dementia. Alzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders, 22 (2), 158-62. Retrieved from https://remix.berklee.edu/mhi-citations/840
