Relaxing Music at Mealtime in Nursing Homes: Effects on Agitated Patients With Dementia

Journal

Journal of Gerontological Nursing

Year

2005

Volume

31

Issue

12

First Page

26

Last Page

32

Abstract

Agitation in individuals with severe cognitive impairment is a significant problem that affects care and overall quality of life. Building on research conducted by Goddaer and Abraham (1994), this quasi-experimental study proposed that relaxing music played during meals would exert a calming effect and decrease agitated behaviors among nursing home residents with dementia. Thirty residents residing in a Special Care Unit participated in the 4-week study. The Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (Cohen-Mansfield, Marx, & Rosenthal, 1989) was used to gather data. Baseline data was obtained in Week 1 (no music). Music was introduced in Week 2, removed in Week 3, and reintroduced in Week 4. At the end of the 4-week study, overall reductions in the cumulative incidence of total agitated behaviors were observed. Reductions in absolute numbers of agitated behaviors were achieved during the weeks with music and a distinct pattern was observed.

Music and Health Institute Terms

Agitation; Alzheimer's and Related Dementias; Elderly; Long-Term Care Facility; Mental Relaxation; Neurodegenerative Disorders; Relaxation; Symptom Management

Indexed Terms

Elderly; Elderly; Behavioral Symptoms; Dementia; Geriatric Nursing; Nursing Homes; Psychomotor Agitation

Study Type

Quasi-Experimental Study; Quantitative Methods

Disciplines

Geriatrics

PubMed ID

16375095

Document Type

Article

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