scholarly journals Reminiscence-Focused Music Therapy to Promote Positive Mood and Engagement and Shared Interaction for People Living With Dementia

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Kelly ◽  
Bill Ahessy
Keyword(s):  
Music Therapy ◽  
Positive Mood ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation ◽  
Verbal Interaction ◽  
Musical Expression ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Group Members ◽  
Reality Orientation ◽  
Care Mapping

Although there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that combining music therapy and reminiscence in a structured and complementary way may yield positive well-being outcomes for people with dementia, there is a gap in the literature combining both in equal measure. Furthermore, there are no known studies exploring the use of ‘associative items’ as part of the combined intervention and no known standardised protocol or method currently exists. This mixed methods study aims to explore whether combining music therapy and reminiscence with associative items for people with dementia may promote positive mood and engagement levels and shared interaction through (a) musical expression, (b) reminiscence and (c) verbal interaction. Five weekly reminiscence-focused music therapy (RFMT) sessions with associative items were conducted with a group of five people with dementia living in a residential care unit. Results from the Dementia Care Mapping (DCM) revealed that the RFMT intervention was highly effective in promoting positive mood and engagement levels and shared interaction. Participants exhibited considerable positive mood and engagement (+3) 51.6%, and high positive mood and engagement (+5) 38.2%, of the total time observed. The three most frequent behaviours across the five RFMT sessions included musical expression, which was observed 53.2% of the time, reminiscence, observed 23% of the time, and verbal interaction, observed 34% of the total time observed. Data from the music therapist’s reflective journal and session summaries revealed that the associative items prompted reality orientation, verbal interaction, and cognitive stimulation. The music elements were found to increase group cohesion, stimulate cognition, and act as an anchor, re-orientating group members intermittently. Implications of practice are considered, and future recommendations of practice are outlined.

scholarly journals ‘Getting back to normality seems as big of a step as going into lockdown’: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with early to middle stage dementia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine V Talbot ◽  
Pam Briggs
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation ◽  
Social Worlds ◽  
Middle Stage ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
The Social ◽  
Function Loss ◽  
The Government ◽  
Person With Dementia ◽  
The Impact

Abstract People with dementia can experience shrinkage of their social worlds, leading to a loss of independence, control and reduced well-being. We used ‘the shrinking world’ theory to examine how the COVID 19 pandemic has impacted the lives of people with early to middle stage dementia and what longer-term impacts may result. Interviews were conducted with 19 people with dementia and a thematic analysis generated five themes: the forgotten person with dementia, confusion over government guidance, deterioration of cognitive function, loss of meaning and social isolation, safety of the lockdown bubble. The findings suggest that the pandemic has accelerated the ‘shrinking world’ effect and created tension in how people with dementia perceive the outside world. Participants felt safe and secure in lockdown but also missed the social interaction, cognitive stimulation and meaningful activities that took place outdoors. As time in lockdown continued, these individuals experienced a loss of confidence and were anxious about their ability to re-engage in the everyday practises that allow them to participate in society. We recommend ways in which the government, communities and organisations might counteract some of the harms posed by this shrinking world.

scholarly journals An evaluation of community-based cognitive stimulation therapy: a pilot study with an Irish population of people with dementia

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 157-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. E. Kelly ◽  
S. Finan ◽  
M. Lawless ◽  
N. Scully ◽  
J. Fitzpatrick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Community Based ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Moderate Dementia ◽  
Subjective Cognitive Function

ObjectivesResearch shows that cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) improves cognitive function, quality of life, and well-being of people with mild–moderate dementia. Despite consistent evidence and recommendations, CST is not routinely available in Ireland post-diagnosis. The aim of the current research was to develop and evaluate community-based CST for people with mild–moderate dementia, run by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland across four pilot sites in Ireland.MethodsParticipants with mild–moderate dementia attended once weekly CST sessions for 14 weeks. Baseline and post-intervention assessments were completed by CST participants, carers, and CST facilitators. Primary outcomes of interest for CST participants included quality of life (Quality of Life in Alzheimer Disease Scale), cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment), and subjective cognitive function (Memory Awareness Rating Scale-Functioning Subscale). Secondary outcomes included well-being, cognitive ability, satisfaction with cognitive performance, and engagement and confidence of CST participants; well-being of carers; and job satisfaction of facilitators. Post-intervention interviews supplemented quantitative analyses.ResultsIn total, 20 CST participants, 17 carers, and six CST facilitators completed evaluation assessments. Results showed that CST improved participants’ satisfaction with cognitive performance (p=0.002), level of engagement (p=0.046), level of confidence (p=0.026). Improvements on subjective cognitive function just fell short of significance (p=0.055). Qualitative analysis of interview data identified consistent themes of cognitive and overall benefits of CST; and provided support for quantitative data.ConclusionsCommunity-based CST positively impacted the lives of people with dementia and their families. This study supports prior recommendations that CST should be made routinely available to people with mild–moderate dementia, particularly in light of the lack of post-diagnostic interventions currently offered in Ireland.

Evaluation of a Music Intervention on Well-being and Behavior of People with Dementia Using Dementia Care Mapping

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Dahms ◽  
Cornelia Eicher ◽  
Drin Ferizaj
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Dementia Care ◽  
Music Intervention ◽  
Intervention Phase ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Essential Components ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
Care Mapping ◽  
Dementia Care Mapping

Introduction: Dementia Care Mapping (DCM) was originally developed as an observation tool to examine person-centered care in long-term care facilities and to evaluate the quality of life and well-being of people with dementia (PwD). However, the effects of a music intervention using this tool have not been investigated so far. This leads to the following research question: How does a music intervention which involves music therapy and other music-based interventions affect the observed well-being and behavior of PwD living in nursing homes? Methods: In this 14-week, non-controlled music intervention study, data from 30 PwD aged between 52 and 97 (M = 81.4 years) were analyzed. DCM coding involves continuous observation for five hours on four days in the baseline and intervention phase. In the follow-up phase PwD were mapped on two days for five hours. The DCM method were used to measure well-being and certain behaviors of PwD. Results: The well-being during the observation remained almost constant and corresponds to a neutral state of affect and focused contact, with no indication of positive or negative sensations. Significant improvements in certain behaviors were observed in the course from baseline to intervention phase. For example, it was shown that physical activities of the participants, such as (instructed) sports exercises, strengthening or physically challenging exercises in the intervention phase were significantly higher (M = 0.99, SD = 1.82) than at baseline phase (M = 0.00, SD = 0.00) (z = -2.37, p = .02, n = 26). Similar results were shown for expressive/creative activities or work-related activities (e.g. washing dishes). Conclusion: In summary, it can be stated that music interventions can promote communication and movement. However, musical stimulation is not one of the essential components of improving behavioral and psychological symptoms or well-being for PwD in nursing homes.

Mental wellbeing in people with dementia following Cognitive Stimulation Therapy: Innovative practice

Dementia ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 496-504 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Allward ◽  
Rosie Dunn ◽  
Gemma Forshaw ◽  
Chris Rewston ◽  
Nicola Wass
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Service Evaluation ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
General Wellbeing

The benefits of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy in supporting cognitive functioning for people with dementia are well recognised. It has been proposed that Cognitive Stimulation Therapy may offer additional benefits in terms of a person’s sense of general wellbeing. A service evaluation of 60 participants attending Cognitive Stimulation Therapy groups was conducted using the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale. Although this evaluation did not demonstrate a significant difference between pre- and post-treatment scores (t = −1.75, df = −59, p = −0.085), there was a trend in participants’ reported optimism about the future and confidence. Recommendations about future research in relation to mental wellbeing in dementia care are discussed.

scholarly journals Mindsong, music therapy and dementia care: collaborative working to support people with dementia and family carers at home

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth Melhuish ◽  
Maggie Grady ◽  
Anthea Holland
Keyword(s):  
Music Therapy ◽  
Care Home ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Challenging Behaviour ◽  
Advanced Dementia ◽  
Family Carers ◽  
Specialist Care ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Collaborative Working

Mindsong brings music therapy to people with dementia across Gloucestershire. In 2016, it was part of an innovative co-production project funded by NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group that offered music therapy to people with advanced dementia and ‘challenging’ behaviour. Music therapy was used at times of crisis with couples in the domiciliary setting and the hardest to reach residents at a dementia specialist care home. Positive outcomes included improvements in well-being, mood, engagement and behaviours. Working with client and carer together resulted in increased carer resilience despite complex challenges. Collaborative working maximised results to the benefit of clients and those who care for them. This article focuses on work in the domiciliary setting.

scholarly journals Embedding Music and Music Therapy in Care Pathways for People with Dementia in the 21st Century—a position paper

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 205920432110204
Author(s):  
Helen Odell-Miller
Keyword(s):  
Music Therapy ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Community Setting ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Position Paper ◽  
Music Therapists ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Research Perspective ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Therapy Interventions

Unique music therapy interventions are discussed from a clinical educational and research perspective, demonstrating a current position on music therapy for people living with dementia and their carers. The position paper, adapted from the keynote lecture given at the workshop “Music Selves and Societies” at Cambridge University in 2018, outlines current research and practice across music and music therapy fields, focussing upon embedding music in daily life and care for people living with dementia. Worldwide, around 50m people have dementia; this is estimated to increase to 75.6m in 2030 and 135.5m in 2050. This results in increased demand for long-term care and a need for heightened awareness and capacity for home care in local settings. Distinctions between interventions delivered by music therapists (direct music therapy) and interventions delivered by musicians or carers arising from training from music therapists (indirect music therapy) are discussed. Political and strategic developments for music and dementia are summarized, highlighting the need for increased training in the field and access to music at all stages of dementia. Case study examples are presented to highlight emerging practices and research; for example, couples attending music therapy groups in a rural community setting (Together in Sound) improved relationships and attitudes for people living with dementia. An international trial investigating reading and music interventions for people living with dementia and their homebased family carers (Homeside) is introduced, alongside practice and research in care homes where music therapy had been found to reduce agitation and improve carers’ well-being. Research shows music therapy interventions address personalized needs linked to daily lived experiences. However, indirect music therapy is needed to reach all who can benefit from music and are living with dementia. It is concluded that high quality, accessible music interventions should be embedded in care, and further research is needed to ascertain best practice.

scholarly journals Efficacy of music therapy in the neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia: systematic review

2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariângela Aparecida Rezende Aleixo ◽  
Raquel Luiza Santos ◽  
Marcia Cristina do Nascimento Dourado
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
Late Onset ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Psychosocial Interventions ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Group Setting ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Therapy Interventions

ABSTRACT Objective A large number of psychosocial interventions in dementia are based on music activities and music therapy interventions. We aim at assessing the efficacy of music therapy in the neuropsychiatric symptoms of people with dementia. Methods This systematic review is according to the methodology suggested by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. We searched for articles in PubMed, Web of Knowledge Cross Search, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Lilacs/Bireme databases published from 2005 to 2016. The search keywords included “early onset” and “late onset” combined with “dementia”, “Alzheimer”, “vascular dementia”, “mixed dementia”, “frontotemporal dementia”, “neuropsychiatric symptoms”, “behavioral disturbances”, “behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia” and “music therapy”. The studies were categorized according to its efficacy on the decline of neuropsychiatric symptoms and improvement of cognitive function, quality of life and well-being. Results We selected 12 out of 257 papers. Music therapy interventions were applied individually or in group setting, using active or receptive technique. In general, studies indicated the efficacy of music therapy on the decline of depression, agitation and anxiety. There were heterogeneity of interventions, methodological design and instruments of evaluation among the studies. Conclusions Although there are reports of the efficacy of music therapy on the decline of neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia, the area still needs randomized studies aimed at the solution of important methodological problems like the lack of standardized approaches.

Music and Dementia

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Music Therapy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Clinical Neuropsychology ◽  
Nonpharmacological Treatment ◽  
Music Psychology ◽  
Informal Activity ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Incidence Of Dementia

Our population is aging and consequently there is an increasing incidence of dementia. With no cure to date, there is an urgent need for the development of therapies that can alleviate symptoms of dementia and ensure optimal well-being for people with dementia and their carers. There is accumulating evidence that music is an effective nonpharmacological treatment for various symptoms of dementia. In its various forms, music (as a formal therapy or informal activity) engages widespread brain regions and in doing so can promote numerous benefits, including triggering memories, enhancing relationships, reducing agitation, and alleviating depression and anxiety. This book outlines the current research on music and dementia, from internationally renowned experts in music therapy, music psychology, and clinical neuropsychology.

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