Non-drug treatment of anxiety in the context of dementia syndromes: Psychologica

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1627483014001032

NPG Neurologie – Psychiatrie – Gériatrie, Volume 14, Issue 84, December 2014, Pages 334–342

Non-drug treatment of anxiety in the context of dementia syndromes: Psychological aspects of the use of music in a neuropsychogeriatric unit by C. Perrota, , (Psychologue), F. Ligonneta (Psychologue), P. Gireb, N. Augusteb, F. Fabreb, R. Gonthierb.

Summary
In recent years, non-drug treatments have been developed to optimize the management of care of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related syndromes. Among the techniques that have been the subject of research, the use of music has proven effective.

Methods

We analyzed the impact on anxiety and processes of autobiographical memory of 20 subjects (mean age 82.7 years) with cognitive impairment combined with psychopathological suffering (mean MMSE 19.5/30) and participating, during hospitalization, in one-hour sessions, once a week, of music therapy, supervised by a psychologist and a caregiver. The impact on anxiety was quantified using a visual analogue scale before, at the end, and 3 hours after the session. Through verbatim collected during the session, assumptions of the effect of music on the psychism have been proposed.

Results

The impact of the music workshop was measurable in 58 % of subjects experiencing anxiety in the context of Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder. During hospitalization, the music workshops envelope the patient and have a cathartic effect. They have a stimulating role and strong potential in evoking autobiographical memory.

Conclusion

Music workshops help to maintain identity. In Alzheimer’s disease, music is an ally against forgetfulness and loss. In practice, the use of music can be an alternative to the administration of psychotropic treatment or restraints for patients in pain.