Does Music Therapy Reduce Agitation in Those With Dementia?
Lifecare at South MountainGrey Group
Scott DuemlerStefanie JimenezSam Moreno
Darren ReedChristine SerranoJessica SlaughterNadia Vasquez
We are exploring if implementation of music therapy for patients 65+ with Dementia reduces agitation.
How Music Affects Us• The brain perceives music via the auditory
canal.• Various parts of the brain are activated to
decode, make connections of memory and perhaps to evoke a motor response.
• Strong emotional music activates more parts of the brain.
• The brain makes powerful connections and can literally be bathed in blood giving a 'whole brain reaction' during which we are swamped by feelings, and 'immersed in the music.'
The Effects of Music Therapy for Older People with DementiaBy: Michelle Wall, Anita Duffy
Literature Reviewo Explore studies on how music therapy influences
the behavior of older people with dementiao The American Music Therapy Association
(AMTA)o Health Information and Quality Authority
(HIQA)
LITERATURE SEARCHo Eligible studieso Research Content Reviewedo Authors
STUDIES REVIEWEDo Suzuki et al (2007)o Gotell et al (2003)o Gerdner (2005)
Individualized Music Therapy
The Study• Performed on an
experimental group along with a control group.
• Music played during known peak times of agitation.
• Evaluated the effectiveness of the music Therapy
Outcome• Decreased frequency of
agitation or disruptive behaviors
• Decreased combativeness• Decreased use of
psychotropic drugs• Decrease use of physical
restraints• Decreased likelihood of
elopement
”An investigation of long-term effects of group music therapy on agitation levels of people with Alzheimer's
Disease.”
The Study• Conducted in various
nursing homes• Control and
experimental groups• Length of study was 1
year• Session material
Results• Decrease in verbal
aggressive behavior• No long-term benifits
“Music therapy for people with dementia”
Study• 47 participants attending 3
mornings a week for 8 weeks a 40 minute live music session of familiar song-singing with guitar playing.
• Residents were encouraged to actively participate through singing/humming, playing instruments, and movement.
• Verbal agitation was noted in approximately 85% of care plans of participants (before study)
Results• Lack of significant findings• Short term nature of the positive effects
of the music intervention• Time of day may be a factor LTC facilities
only allowed morning sessions, however there could be different results if study could be performed during peak agitation times
• Some evidence that music group activities offered opportunities to improve the verbalization behavior of those with dementia
• Study did conclude that cognitive impairments, gender, and length of stay in the facility are predictors of agitation
Wrap Up
“The Effects of Music Therapy for Older People with Dementia”
• Positive change in agitation and social skills
• Live music most beneficial• Effects are typically short lived• Methodological flaws limited
many studies“Individualized Music for Elders
with Dementia”• Guideline establishing
individualized approach to music therapy
“The Effects of Music Therapy for Older People with Dementia ”
• No significant reduction in agitation found
• More methodological limitations”An Investigation of Long-Term Effects
of Group Music Therapy on Agitation Levels of People with
Alzheimer's Disease”• No significant reduction in
agitation found• Design flaws and lack of
randomness across comparison groups
Summary Nursing Implications
• Use an individualized approach
• Assess effectiveness with each patient
• Music interventions may decrease the need for physical and chemical restraints.
• Music therapy is inexpensive and non-invasive
•Music therapy research is young and much of it flawed•Effects of music therapy may be short-lived•Individualized approaches may be necessary•Holistic view necessary to evaluate other potential benefits for patient, family, and staff
