Individual music therapy for managing neuropsychiatric symptoms for people with dementia and their carers: a cluster randomised controlled feasibility study

Abstract

BackgroundPrevious research highlights the importance of staff involvement in psychosocial interventions targeting neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia. Music therapy has shown potential effects, but it is not clear how this intervention can be programmed to involve care staff within the delivery of patients’ care. This study reports initial feasibility and outcomes from a five month music therapy programme including weekly individual active music therapy for people with dementia and weekly post-therapy video presentations for their carers in care homes.Methods17 care home residents and 10 care staff were randomised to the music therapy intervention group or standard care control group. The cluster randomised, controlled trial included baseline, 3-month, 5-month and post-intervention 7-month measures of residents’ symptoms and well-being. Carer-resident interactions were also assessed. Feasibility was based on carers’ feedback through semi-structured interviews, programme evaluations and track records of the study.ResultsThe music therapy programme appeared to be a practicable and acceptable intervention for care home residents and staff in managing dementia symptoms. Recruitment and retention data indicated feasibility but also challenges. Preliminary outcomes indicated differences in symptoms (13.42, 95 % CI: [4.78 to 22.07; p = 0.006]) and in levels of wellbeing (−0.74, 95 % CI: [−1.15 to −0.33; p = 0.003]) between the two groups, indicating that residents receiving music therapy improved. Staff in the intervention group reported enhanced caregiving techniques as a result of the programme.ConclusionThe data supports the value of developing a music therapy programme involving weekly active individual music therapy sessions and music therapist-carer communication. The intervention is feasible with modifications in a more rigorous evaluation of a larger sample size.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov, number NCT01744600.

Efficacy of music therapy in the neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia: systematic review

“…Other studies are focused on cognitive functions 21,22 , quality of life (QoL) 23 and wellbeing 24 . Moreover, MT for dementia has frequently been developed without a clear theoretical background or proper evidence from research or clinical practices.…”

Pilot Study Of Executive Functions In Elderly Adults In Care Homes

“…The potential of music has also been demonstrated in terms of improvements brought about in general https: //dx.doi.org/10.15405/epsbs.2019.04.02.95 Corresponding Author: Osmila Seilet González Sánchez Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the Organizing Committee of the conference eISSN: 772 neuropsychiatric symptoms and cognitive functions in elderly adults with severe cognitive deterioration (Hsu, Flowerdew, Parker, Fachner, & Odell-Miller, 2015).…”

Non-Pharmalogical Interventions towards Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia—An Integrated Literature Review

“…The effect of reducing agitation was that prescription medication lessened among the people involved in the music intervention [18]. Healthcare professionals have [19]. Researchers have also compared the effects of a multi-sensory stimulating environment to individualized music sessions.…”