Music, Music Therapy and Dementia: A Review of Literature and the Recommendations of the Italian Psychogeriatric Association

Journal

Maturitas

Year

2012

Volume

72

Issue

4

First Page

305

Last Page

10

Abstract

This study reviews the most recent (from 2000 to 2011) Clinical Controlled Trials (CCT) and Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT) concerning the use of music and music-therapy (MT) in the context of dementia and related issues. Studies which explored the efficacy of music and MT on behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are prevalent, while those aiming at assessing a potential effect of these approaches on cognitive and physiological aspects are scant. Although with some limitations, the results of these studies are consistent with the efficacy of MT approach on BPSD. In this context, the ability of the music therapist to directly interact with the patients appears to be crucial for the success of the intervention. This review was endorsed by the Italian Psychogeriatric Association (AIP) and represents its view about the criteria to select appropriate music and MT approaches in the field of dementia. Accordingly, we have developed a list of recommendations to facilitate the current use of these techniques in the context of non-pharmacological treatments for patients with dementia.

Music and Health Institute Terms

Behavioral State; Elderly; Mental Health; Music Listening; Music Therapy; Neurodegenerative Disorders; Psychological Outcomes; Receptive Music Methods; Recorded Music Listening; Symptom Management

Indexed Terms

Cognition; Cognition Disorders; Dementia; Italy; Organizations; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Professional-Patient Relations

Study Type

Quantitative Methods; Systematic Review

Disciplines

Neurology

PubMed ID

22743206

Document Type

Article

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