The Effects of Researcher-composed Music at Mealtime on Agitation in Nursing Home Residents With Dementia

Journal

Archives of Psychiatric Nursing

Year

2011

Volume

25

Issue

6

Abstract

This study examined the effects of music at mealtimes on agitation in 22 nursing home residents with dementia. We used a pretest-posttest research design. We played researcher-composed music to residents at each of two mealtimes daily over a consecutive 4-week period. We observed and recorded agitation 24 hours daily for the 4-week period and the following 2-week period. Results revealed a significant decline in mean agitation scores. A cumulative dose effect and a short-term linger effect were observed. Findings suggest that soothing music may be beneficial in managing agitation in nursing home residents with dementia.

Music and Health Institute Terms

Distress; Elderly; Music Listening; Music Medicine; Neurodegenerative Disorders; Nursing Home; Psychological Outcomes; Quality of Life; Recorded Music Listening

Indexed Terms

Elderly; Elderly; Alzheimer Disease; Dementia; Feeding Behavior; Nursing Homes; Psychomotor Agitation; Time Factors

Study Type

Quantitative Methods; Quasi-Experimental Study

Disciplines

Neurology

PubMed ID

22114806

Document Type

Article

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