Abstract 28
Amy B. Shubert, SN, B.A. Psychology, M.Ed.; Aimee M. Fernback, Student Nurse, B.S. Applied
Music, M.Mus.
West Chester University, College of Health Sciences
AmyF71879@yahoo.com
Title: The Effects of Music Therapy on Dementia
Objectives (of project and/or presentation): The objective of this project was to conduct a review of the literature
identifying the impact of music therapy on patients with dementia.
Introduction OR Rationale: Over 44 million people worldwide suffer from dementia; and this number is expected
to increase to 75.6 million. Alternative therapies, such as music, may minimize some common symptoms of
dementia. This project examines the impact of music therapy on some of the cognitive and behavioral issues
associated with dementia, and on the specific role nurses play in providing this therapy in hospitals, long-term care
facilities, and at home.
Methods: The articles for this literature review were selected using EBSCO and CINAHL complete. The search
terms used were “music therapy and dementia” and “music therapy and cognitive disorders.” Searches were
completed in January 2015, and included only peer-reviewed journal articles from 2009-2015.
Results OR Practice Implications: Surprisingly, music therapy can be administered by anyone. Nurses who are not
musicians can still provide therapeutic music sessions to alleviate dementia symptoms through playing recordings
or online sound clips that target patients’ personal preferences. More nurses should use music in their clinical
practice as an evidence-based therapeutic remedy.
Conclusions: Across all studies reviewed, the findings showed strong support for providing music therapy for
patients with dementia; behaviors such as agitation, anxiety, and depression were lessened, and levels of cognitive
impairment showed improvement. The studies also highlighted that music therapy does not have to be performed
by a licensed music therapist; in fact, just providing this patient population with a CD with their preferred music
had a significant impact on their behavior. Music therapy provided an inexpensive, non-invasive, nonpharmacological solution to alleviating symptoms of dementia.
References:
1. Chu, H., Yang, C-Y., Lin, Y., Ou, K-L., Lee, T-Y., O’Brien, A.P., & Chou, K-R. (2014). The Impact of Group Music
Therapy on Depression and Cognition in Elderly Persons With Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Study.
Biological Research for Nursing, 16 (2), 209-217. doi: 10.1177/1099800413485410.
2. Guetin, S., Portet, F., Picot, M.C., Messaoudi, M., Djabelkir, L., Olsen, A.L…Touchon, J. (2009). Effect of Music
Therapy on Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Alzheimer’s Type Dementia: Randomized, Controlled Study.
Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders, 28, 36-46. doi: 10.1159/000229024.
3. Park, H., & Pringle Specht, J.K. (2009). Effect of Individualized Music on Agitation in Individuals with Dementia
Who Live at Home. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 35 (8), 47-55.
4. Sung, H-C., Chang, A., & Lee, W-L. (2010). A Preferred Music Listening Intervention to Reduce Anxiety in Older
Adults With Dementia in Nursing Homes. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 19, 1056-1064. doi 10.1111/j.13652702.2009.03016.x
Funding Source: None