The Effects of Music Therapy on Engagement in Family Caregiver and Care Receiver Couples With Dementia

A. A. Clair

Journal

American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease & Other Dementias

Year

2002

Issue

5

First Page

286

Last Page

290

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of caregiver-implemented music applications on engagement with their care receivers. Eight couples participated individually in a series of sessions, where a music therapist trained and cued the caregivers to implement a music application of choice. Changes in engagement frequency over a series of five sessions was highly statistically significant. The authors conclude that music therapy applications are effective in increasing mutual engagement in caregiving and care receiving couples with dementia, and that caregivers can effectively facilitate the engagement using music. Furthermore, once the engagement is established, it carries over into visitation without music.

Music and Health Institute Terms

Alzheimer's and Related Dementias; Caregivers; Elderly; Engagement Level; Music Therapy; Neurodegenerative Disorders

Indexed Terms

Elderly; Elderly; Caregivers; Dementia; Family; Observer Variation; Videotape Recording

Study Type

Case Study; Qualitative Methods

Disciplines

Music Therapy

PubMed ID

12392265

Document Type

Article

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