Efficacy of music therapy in the treatment of behavioral and psychiatric symptoms of dementia.

Full Abstract

BACKGROUND:
Music therapy (MT) has been proposed as valid approach for behavioral and psychologic symptoms (BPSD) of dementia. However, studies demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach are lacking.

OBJECTIVE:
To assess MT effectiveness in reducing BPSD in subjects with dementia.

METHOD:
Fifty-nine persons with dementia were enrolled in this study. All of them underwent a multidimensional assessment including Mini Mental State Examination, Barthel Index and Neuropsychiatry Inventory at enrollment and after 8, 16, and 20 weeks. Subjects were randomly assigned to experimental (n=30) or control (n=29) group. The MT sessions were evaluated with standardized criteria. The experimental group received 30 MT sessions (16 wk of treatment), whereas the control group received educational support or entertainment activities.

RESULTS:
NPI total score significantly decreased in the experimental group at 8th, 16th, and 20th weeks (interaction time x group:
F3,165=5.06, P=0.002). Specific BPSD (ie, delusions, agitation, anxiety, apathy, irritability, aberrant motor activity, and night-time disturbances) significantly improved. The empathetic relationship and the patients' active participation in the MT approach, also improved in the experimental group.

CONCLUSIONS:
The study shows that MT is effective to reduce BPSD in patients with moderate-severe dementia.

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Author information

Author/s: Raglio, Alfredo (A); Bellelli, Giuseppe (G); Traficante, Daniela (D); Gianotti, Marta (M); Ubezio, Maria Chiara (MC); Villani, Daniele (D); Trabucchi, Marco (M);

Affiliation: Sospiro Foundation, Sospiro, Cremona, Italy. raglioa(-atsign-)tin.it

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Randomized Controlled Trial

Journal: Alzheimer disease and associated disorders (Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: -2008 Apr-Jun; vol 22 (issue 2) : pp 158-62

Dates: Created 2008/06/05; Completed 2008/07/03;

PMID: 18525288, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Behavioral Symptoms - etiology; psychology; therapy
Dementia - complications; psychology; therapy
Humans
Male
Mental Status Schedule

Mental Status Schedule
Music Therapy
Neurotic Disorders - etiology; psychology; therapy
Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
Psychomotor Agitation - etiology; psychology; therapy
Sampling Studies
Treatment Outcome

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