Effects of Music Therapy on Psychological Symptoms and Heart Rate Variability in Patients With Dementia. A Pilot Study
Journal
Current Aging Science
Year
2010
Volume
3
Issue
3
First Page
242
Last Page
6
Abstract
We assessed the effects of music therapy (MT) on behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSD) in dementia associated with changes in physiological parameters, as heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV). Twenty subjects were randomly assigned to MT treatment or standard care; all patients underwent neuropsychological assessment and ECG Holter recordings before and after the 15-week treatment. The treatment included 30 MT sessions. Depression significantly decreased (p=0.021) in the MT group. PNN50 improved in 50% patients of the MT group, but in none of the control group (p=0.013). MT may improve symptoms of depression and increase HRV in demented patients.
Music and Health Institute Terms
Alzheimer's and Related Dementias; Behavioral State; Depression; Heart Rate; Music Therapy; Neurodegenerative Disorders; Psychological Outcomes; Vital Signs
Indexed Terms
Elderly; Elderly; Dementia; Depression; Electrocardiography, Ambulatory; Heart Rate; Neuropsychological Tests; Pilot Projects; Severity of Illness Index
Study Type
Randomized Controlled; Trial; Quantitative Methods
Disciplines
Music Therapy
PubMed ID
20735342
Document Type
Article
Recommended Citation
Raglio, A., Oasi, O., Gianotti, M., Manzoni, V., Bolis, S., Ubezio, M. C., Gentile, S., Villani, D., & Stramba-Badiale, M. (2010). Effects of Music Therapy on Psychological Symptoms and Heart Rate Variability in Patients With Dementia. A Pilot Study. Current Aging Science, 3 (3), 242-6. Retrieved from https://remix.berklee.edu/mhi-music-mental-health/350