Clinical Characteristics of Home-based Music Therapy in Supporting Personhood in People With Dementia

Journal

The Arts in Psychotherapy

Year

2020

Volume

70

Abstract

This study explored the clinical characteristics of home-based music therapy for people with dementia by utilizing a program with a Japanese woman in her late 80 s, who had been diagnosed with probable Alzheimer’s disease. The narrative data, including transcripts of conversations during the sessions, and session notes were analyzed per the concepts of 'intersubjectivity' and 'singularity.' Results suggested that home-based music therapy provided opportunities for the client, the music therapist, and the client’s family to explore the client’s personhood and strengthen their respective relationships. Subjective experiences, such as relationship development and the images provoked by meaningful songs, may be the most significant characteristic of home-based music therapy for people with dementia and are also associated with maintaining their personhood. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)

Music and Health Institute Terms

Alzheimer's and Related Dementias; Elderly; Interpersonal Relations; Music Therapy; Neurodegenerative Disorders

Indexed Terms

Home-based care; Narrative approach; Dementia; Narratives; Note Taking; Family Relations; Meaningfulness; Intersubjectivity

Study Type

Case Study; Qualitative Methods

Disciplines

Music Therapy

Document Type

Article

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