Results from a person‐centered music intervention for individuals living with dementia

• Published in: Geriatrics & gerontology international 2019-01, Vol.19 (1), p.30-34
• Main Authors: Ihara, Emily S, Tompkins, Catherine J, Inoue, Megumi, Sonneman, Sonya
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Caregivers; Dementia; Health facilities; Intervention; Music; music listening; person‐centered
• ISSN: 1444-1586; 1447-0594
• DOI: 10.1111/ggi.13563

Aim Dementia is a chronic, costly disease affecting millions of people worldwide. Effective, affordable person‐centered interventions are required to improve the lived experiences of individuals with dementia and their caregivers in various care settings. The present study examined the effects of a person‐centered music listening intervention on mood, agitation and social engagement for individuals living with dementia. Methods This quasi‐experimental study was carried out with participants at five community‐based adult day health centers (n = 51). Standardized instruments were used to measure mood and agitation, and in‐person and video‐recorded observations of participant behavior were used to analyze changes before, during and after the intervention across four domains: mood, agitation, connecting to music and engaging socially. Within‐person differences were examined using the Wilcoxon signed rank test, and between‐group differences were examined using the Mann–Whitney U‐test. Results Although standardized instruments did not yield statistically significant results, the behavioral observations showed a positive change in mood and a decrease in agitation. From pre‐ to post‐intervention, there were statistically significant increases in joy, eye contact, eye movement, being engaged and talkativeness, and a decrease in sleeping and moving or dancing. Conclusions Behavioral observations show the positive impact a person‐centered music listening intervention might have on individuals living with dementia and attending adult day health centers. This affordable intervention provides a useful tool for caregivers that might improve the day‐to‐day experience of individuals living with dementia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 30–34.