Effects of group music intervention on behavioral and psychological symptoms in patients with dementia: a pilot-controlled trial

Int J Neurosci. 2009;119(4):471-81. doi: 10.1080/00207450802328136.

Abstract

We investigated the effects of group music intervention on behavioral and psychological symptoms in patients with dementia. Twenty patients were nonrandomly allocated to either a music-intervention group, or an usual care group. The music-intervention group received 50 minutes of music intervention 3 times per week for 5 consecutive weeks. After 15 sessions, the music-intervention group showed significant in improvement with regard to agitation, and the total scores of both patients and caregivers were lower, compared with the control group. These findings suggest that music can improve behavioral and psychological symptoms, especially in patients with dementia and their caregivers.

Publication types

  • Controlled Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Caregivers
  • Dementia / psychology
  • Dementia / therapy*
  • Female
  • Geriatric Assessment
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Music Therapy*
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Pilot Projects
  • Psychomotor Agitation
  • Psychotherapy, Group*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires