Music Therapy Effects in People with Dementia

Volume 2 - Issue 2

Martina Pigliautile¹, Francesco Delicati², Roberta Cecchetti¹, Patrizia Bastiani¹, Michela Scamosci¹, Simonetta Cesarini³, Giuseppe Menculini⁴, Annalisa Longo^1,2, Patrizia Mecocci¹ and Stefano Federici⁵*

Received: January 12, 2019;   Published: February 21, 2019

DOI: 10.32474/SJPBS.2019.02.000132

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Abstract

Objective: Based on the biopsychosocial model, we developed a paradigm to explore if music therapy (MT) is effective in increasing the well-being of persons with dementia.

Method: A randomized controlled trial, mixed method design was used. Twenty-seven persons with moderate/severe dementia split into an experimental (n = 16; MT and standard care) and a control (n = 11; standard care only) group were subjected to a cycle of MT weekly sessions for five months. Quantitative levels of salivary cortisol, health status (body functioning and structures and health-related states), and outcome measures (psycho-behavioral disturbances and quality of life) were associated with qualitative analysis of the participants’ behavior during MT sessions.

Results: The study showed that MT is effective in reducing psycho-behavioral disturbances and maintaining a good quality of life. No apparent effects were found with respect to the level of salivary cortisol. Qualitative analysis is very effective for obtaining information on patient behavior during the MT.

Conclusions: The paradigm was suitable to integrate quantitative and qualitative data on the effectiveness of MT interventions.

Keywords: Dementia; Music Therapy; Quality of Life; Geriatric Assessment; Biopsychosocial Model, Cortisol

Abstract| Introduction | Study Paradigm| Expected Results| Method| Measures| Procedure| Analysis| Results| Microanalysis of Mrs. R. a Patient of the Experimental Group| Discussion| Limitations of the Study| Acknowledgement| References|