Effects of viewing a preferred nature image and hearing preferred music on engagement, agitation, and mental status in persons with dementia

Abstract

Background:The purpose of the described exploratory study was to test proactive strategies for enhancing engagement and cognitive ability while diminishing dementia-related disordered behaviors of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Study participants resided in an Memory Care unit of an assisted living community.Method:The researchers measured the effects of exposure to music and nature images on engagement using the Individualized Dementia Engagement and Activities Scale tool, on cognitive ability using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and on agitation using the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory.Result:The within-subject study design revealed that use of both music and nature images hold promise for reducing undesirable behaviors and improving engagement of residents.Conclusion:The authors suggest caregivers for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias can effectively use nature images and music to improve engagement and reduce disordered behaviors, thus potentially enhancing quality of life for the care recipient as well as the caregiver while possibly reducing the costs of medications used to control dementia-related undesirable behaviors.

The Use of Music Playlists for People with Dementia: A Critical Synthesis

“…The remaining studies used music selected by the researcher ( n = 11, 39%). Of these, one study used nature music (which included piano and sounds from nature such as birds, running water, and whale song) [ 28 ], one used music composed by the researcher [ 29 ], one used music from the era most often recalled by participants [ 22 ], two used classical or baroque music [ 30, 31 ], one compared Dean Martin and religious music [ 32 ], and five used music that was considered ‘age appropriate’ [ 33–37 ].…”

The impact of the arts in healthcare on patients and service users: A critical review

“…However, Eggert et al. () measured the effects of music and nature images on engagement for those diagnosed with dementia.…”

“…Similarly, Travers and Bartlett (2011) evaluated a radio programme that broadcasted music relevant to residents in a residential care setting who grew up in the 1920s-1950s and looked at depression, quality of life and loneliness. However,Eggert et al (2015)…”

Juicio emocional y procesamiento musical en pacientes con Demencia Tipo Alzheimer

“…Muchos estudios han usado la música para disminuir la sintomatología conductual (agresión, ansiedad, agitación, etc. ), usando música familiar (Cooke et al, 2010;Eggert et al, 2015, Särkämö et al, 2016. Otra cuestión, no abordada directamente en este trabajo, que puede ser explicada a partir de lo encontrado en la bibliografía, es la conservación relativa de la memoria musical en esta patología, en oposición a la alteración en la memoria episódica de otras modalidades (Cuddy y Duffin, 2005…”