Music interventions against agitated behaviour in elderly persons with dementia

Comments on an article by Y. Lin et al. (see record 2011-09359-002). We would like to discuss the point suggested by authors regarding the possibility that ‘nursing facilities for patients with dementia adopt group music intervention as a routine institutional activity’. In fact, while from the clinical point of view, the intervention is certainly useful in reducing agitated behaviors, we are concerned about economical sustainability of such interventions. In particular, we suggest that further studies will compare the costs of music intervention and drugs commonly used to alleviate BPSD. For example, a treatment with 2.5mg daily olanzapine costs about 60 cents, that is, a comparable charge of money with respect to music therapy. In conclusion, we deeply appreciate the contribution of Lin et al. increasing the interest towards music therapy and BPSD. We hope that future investigations will contribute to clarify this complex research area. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)

Bellelli, G., Raglio, A., & Trabucchi, M. (2012). Music interventions against agitated behaviour in elderly persons with dementia: A cost‐effective perspective. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 27(3), 327-327. doi:10.1002/gps.2775