Music therapy in moderate and severe dementia of Alzheimer’s type

International Psychogeriatric Association

H. B. Svansdottir and J. Snaedal

International Psychogeriatrics: page 1-9, 2006

hirsla.lsh.is/lsh/bitstream/2336/6259/3/music-therepy.pdf

ABSTRACT:

Background: Music therapy is a potential non-pharmacological treatment for the

behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, but although some studies

have found it to be helpful, most are small and uncontrolled.

Methods: This case–control study was carried out by qualified music therapists

in two nursing homes and two psychogeriatric wards. The participants were 38

patients with moderate or severe Alzheimer’s disease (AD) assigned randomly

to a music therapy group and a control group.

Results: The study showed a significant reduction in activity disturbances in

the music therapy group during a 6-week period measured with the Behavior

Pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease Rating Scale (BEHAVE-AD). There was also a

significant reduction in the sum of scores of activity disturbances, aggressiveness

and anxiety. Other symptoms rated by subscales of the BEHAVE-AD did not

decrease significantly. Four weeks later the effects had mostly disappeared.

Conclusions: Music therapy is a safe and effective method for treating agitation

and anxiety in moderately severe and severe AD. This is in line with the results

of some non-controlled studies on music therapy in dementia.