Music interventions for people with dementia: a review of the literature
Abstract
This paper provides a qualitative review of 21 published articles of clinical empirical studies looking at the effects of a variety of music activities on the emotional and behavioural responses in people with dementia. General information is reviewed such as the setting and context of studies, research findings and explanatory variables. Methodological issues are also discussed, particularly in relation to observational methods, and theoretical frameworks such as the progressively lowered stress threshold model are evaluated. Music appears to have a range of applications in dementia care but previous reviews have highlighted methodological weaknesses of studies. Recommendations for future research include the use of continuous time sampling methodology and to record the duration of observed behaviours. This review paper also argues for the use of Kitwood's theory of personhood as a framework to inform and guide future research.
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There is substantive literature reporting the importance and benefits of music and music therapy programs for older adults, and more specifically for those with dementia.
“There is substantive literature reporting the importance and benefits of music and music therapy programs for older adults, and more specifically for those with dementia (194–199).”
From The Multidisciplinary Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. A Narrative Review of Non-Pharmacological Treatment (2018) · cites this paper as [194]
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- Authors
- Sherratt, K., Thornton, A., & Hatton, C.
- Affiliations
- a Gloucestershire Partnership NHS Trust , UK
- b Bolton, Salford and Trafford Mental Health Partnership , UK
- Lancaster University (GB)
- Corresponding author
- Sherratt, K.
- ORCID
- Hatton, C.
- Venue
- Aging & Mental Health
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2004-01
- Volume
- 8
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 3-12
- ISSN
- 1360-7863 (ISSN-L)
- 1364-6915
- OpenAlex
- W2025529773
- Cited by
- 135
- References
- 44
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 6 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 6 · 2017: 12 · 2016: 6 · 2015: 11 · 2014: 11 · 2013: 10 · 2012: 9
- FWCI
- 6.03
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Aging & Mental Health (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Lancaster EPrints (Lancaster University) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Music Therapy and Health
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research
- Social Sciences › Education › Music Education and Analysis
- Keywords
- music intervention, dementia, emotional responses, behavioral responses, dementia care, observation method, methodological weaknesses
- MeSH terms
- Adaptation, Psychological, Aged, Alzheimer Disease, Mental Disorders, Humans, Music Therapy, Social Adjustment, Social Behavior, Treatment Outcome
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