The Singer or the Singing: Who Sings Individually to Persons With Dementia and What Are the Effects?

Abstract

''Live'' singing to persons with dementia (PWDs) may be an underused but highly accessible resource for their caregivers, regardless of qualifications. A systematic literature review sought to illuminate who sings to PWDs, and with what objectives and effects, to address the question of whether it is the singer or the singing which is effective. The literature revealed that music therapists seek to address cognitive, behavioral, physiological, and social factors through one-to-one singing, whereas other caregivers are more broadly concerned with quality of life, often through facilitating activities of daily living. All included studies concurred that individual singing to PWDs can be effective in a variety of ways, depending on contexts and goals. PWD's perceptions of situations may influence the effectiveness of singing interventions. Music therapists are urged to empower professional caregivers to sing sensitively to PWDs during caregiving activities.

Evaluation of communication behavior in persons with dementia during caregivers’ singing

“…However, without knowledge of correct singing technique or knowledge of the songs preferred by the PWDs, singing when performing care can be demanding for caregivers. We suggest, as do Chatterton, Baker and Morgan 42 and Dennis,28 that MTC should be implemented as an alternative psychosocial intervention in dementia care. A music therapist, a singing instructor/teacher, or a singing nurse, physician or caregiver can take the responsibility of instructing other personnel in how to use MTC as a tool to enhance communication between caregivers and PWDs.…”

“…Music and singing 29,30,41 brings about a positive change and improves the interaction of the PWDs with their caregivers during morning care regardless of the qualifications of the singer. 28,42 This study indicated that participants were significantly more calm-relaxed during MTC. Studies on music therapy by Berger et al 43 and Clair, Mathews and Kosloski 44 also reported increased positive emotions while PWDs sang and participated in music therapy sessions.…”

A philosophical defense of the idea that we can hold each other in personhood: intercorporeal personhood in dementia care

“…Chatterton et al, 2010;Ridder, 2003). This has motivated examinations of the use of musical therapy (Clair 2002) and other forms of musical engagement in everyday activities in dementia care (Sixsmith and Gibson, 2007;Mathews et al, 2001;Götell et al, 2003) such as getting dressed in the morning (Hammar et al, 2011).…”

Measuring engagement with music: development of an informant-report questionnaire

“…For example, caregivers report anecdotes of loved ones with severe dementia becoming dramatically more alert and responsive while listening to favourite pieces of music. These instances are of profound importance to caregivers and family members (Chatterton, 2010), yet cognitively typical older adults do not tend to experience music in this way.…”