Clinical and Demographic Factors Associated with the Cognitive and Emotional Efficacy of Regular Musical Activities in Dementia

Teppo Särkämö · Sari Laitinen · Ava Numminen · Merja Kurki · Julene K. Johnson · Pekka Rantanen

64 citations0/0 files storedJournal of Alzheimer s Disease

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Music Therapy and Health Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research Neuroscience and Music Perception

Abstract

Recent evidence suggests that music-based interventions can be beneficial in maintaining cognitive, emotional, and social functioning in persons with dementia (PWDs). Our aim was to determine how clinical, demographic, and musical background factors influence the cognitive and emotional efficacy of caregiver-implemented musical activities in PWDs. In a randomized controlled trial, 89 PWD-caregiver dyads received a 10-week music coaching intervention involving either singing or music listening or standard care. Extensive neuropsychological testing and mood and quality of life (QoL) measures were performed before and after the intervention (n = 84) and six months later (n = 74). The potential effects of six key background variables (dementia etiology and severity, age, care situation, singing/instrument playing background) on the outcome of the intervention were assessed. Singing was beneficial especially in improving working memory in PWDs with mild dementia and in maintaining executive function and orientation in younger PWDs. Music listening was beneficial in supporting general cognition, working memory, and QoL especially in PWDs with moderate dementia not caused by Alzheimer's disease (AD) who were in institutional care. Both music interventions alleviated depression especially in PWDs with mild dementia and AD. The musical background of the PWD did not influence the efficacy of the music interventions. Our findings suggest that clinical and demographic factors can influence the cognitive and emotional efficacy of caregiver-implemented musical activities and are, therefore, recommended to take into account when applying and developing the intervention to achieve the greatest benefit.

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References

2013Cognitive, Emotional, and Social Benefits of Regular Musical Activities in Early Dementia: Randomized Controlled Study 2007Individualized Piano Instruction enhances executive functioning and working memory in older adults 2009Effect of Music Therapy on Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Alzheimer’s Type Dementia: Randomised, Controlled Study 2008Efficacy of Music Therapy in the Treatment of Behavioral and Psychiatric Symptoms of Dementia 2003Music therapy for people with dementia 2011Patterns of receptive and creative cultural activities and their association with perceived health, anxiety, depression and satisfaction with life among adults: the HUNT study, Norway 2006Investigating the Enhancing Effect of Music on Autobiographical Memory in Mild Alzheimer’s Disease 2010Music as a memory enhancer in patients with Alzheimer's disease

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2019The effect of music therapy on reducing depression in people with dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

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