A new Cochrane review has found evidence that music -based therapy can benefit people from dementia, in particular by improving the symptoms of depression.
Dementia is a collective term for progressive degenerative brain syndromes that influence memory, thinking, behavior and emotion. Alzheimer’s Disease International reported that in 2019 there were 55 million people with dementia in 2019, a figure that would be expected to increase to 139 million in 2050. Although some medicines are available, the therapeutic use of music is considered a relatively simple and cheap approach that remains accessible even in the later stages of dementia.
The research team of various institutions in the Netherlands investigated evidence from 30 studies with 1,720 people. The studies investigated the effects of therapeutic interventions on emotional well -being, including quality of life, mood disorders, behavioral problems, social behavior and cognition. Most participants were in Zorghuizen, with interventions that were delivered individually or in group institutions.
The tests were mainly carried out in countries with a high income, including Australia, Taiwan, the US and various European countries. Almost all therapies include active elements (such as play instruments), often combined with receptive elements (such as listening to live music supplied by a therapist).
This review increases our understanding of the effects of music therapy and reinforces the case for recording music in dementia care, in particular in healthcare institutions. Music therapy offers benefits that go beyond those of other group activities, which supports mood and behavior in a way that is fascinating and accessible, even in later stages of dementia. Care Home Managers must consider integrating structured musical sessions as part of a person -oriented approach to dementia care. “
Jenny van der Steen, main author of Leiden University Medical Center and Radboudumc Alzheimer Center
The findings suggest that music -based therapy probably improves depressive symptoms and can improve overall behavioral problems at the end of treatment. It is unlikely that music therapy significantly influences agitation, aggression, emotional well -being or cognition, but compared to other interventions there is some evidence that can improve social behavior and reduce anxiety.
Long-term effects, after four weeks after the treatment, can be smaller, but remain uncertain due to the limited number of tests monitoring effects after the end of treatment.
The assessment also emphasizes the growing recognition of non-pharmacological interventions in dementia care.
“Music therapy is a drug-free way to help people feel less sad and less anxious,” says co-author Annemieke Vink of Artez University of the Arts who has first-hand experience in delivering music therapy to people with dementia. “We hope that the higher quality of recent studies and increasing base of proof will lead to more attention being paid to music therapy and other non-pharmacological approaches.”
She continues: “Looking at the effect sizes, music therapy is a reasonable alternative to pharmacological approaches and is much more focused on person.”
The review underlines the need for further research into the long -term effects of music -based therapy, in particular in community institutions. Much of the existing evidence comes from care houses, so expanding studies into community -based environments can offer valuable insights into how music therapy can be integrated into daily life for people who live with dementia.