Efficacy of Music Therapy in the Treatment of Behavioral and Psychiatric Symptoms of Dementia
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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Two studies training family caregivers in CBT for people with severe agitation also found no improvement compared with controls.
“Two studies training family caregivers in CBT for people with severe agitation also found no improvement compared with controls. 47,48”
From Non-pharmacological interventions for agitation in dementia: systematic review of randomised controlled trials (2014) · cites this paper as [48]
Several studies reported the efficacy of music to enhance communications, relational processes and participation.
“Several studies reported the efficacy of music to treat BPSD (208–213), to enhance communications, relational processes and participation (199, 214–216), and to maintain or increase cognitive functions (217–222).”
From The Multidisciplinary Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. A Narrative Review of Non-Pharmacological Treatment (2018) · cites this paper as [214]
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- Authors
- Raglio, A., Bellelli, G., Traficante, D., Gianotti, M., Ubezio, M. C., Villani, D., & Trabucchi, M.
- Affiliations
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (IT)
- University of Rome Tor Vergata (IT)
- Corresponding author
- Raglio, Alfredo
- Gianotti, Marta
- Ubezio, Maria Chiara
- Villani, Daniele
- Venue
- Alzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders
- Published
- 2008-04
- Volume
- 22
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 158-162
- ISSN
- 0893-0341 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2024108378
- Cited by
- 333
- References
- 29
- Citations by year
- 2026: 7 · 2025: 11 · 2024: 12 · 2023: 18 · 2022: 17 · 2021: 14 · 2020: 18 · 2019: 32 · 2018: 21 · 2017: 24 · 2016: 23 · 2015: 26 · 2014: 23 · 2013: 25 · 2012: 23
- FWCI
- 16.89
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Alzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Cineca Institutional Research Information System (Tor Vergata University) (submittedVersion)
- BOA (University of Milano-Bicocca) (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 › Arts and Humanities › Conservation › Art Therapy and Mental Health
- Keywords
- music therapy, dementia, agitation, delusions, anxiety, apathy, irritability, Neuropsychiatric Inventory, treatment efficacy
- MeSH terms
- Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Behavioral Symptoms, Dementia, Humans, Male, Mental Status Schedule, Music Therapy, Neurotic Disorders, Psychiatric Status Rating Scales, Psychomotor Agitation, Sampling Studies, Treatment Outcome
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