Music‐Based Interventions for People Living with Dementia, targeting Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms: A scoping review

IntroductionDementia care is a major public health issue worldwide. The management of behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSD) is one of the hardest challenges in this context. Non-pharmacological strategies, like music-based interventions (Mbi), seem promising options, being considered low-risk, widely available and inclusive. This scoping review aimed at mapping all Mbi used in dementia care, targeting BPSD, and debriefing its components, structure and rationale. Music therapy and other therapeutic music activities were included.MethodsThe Arksey and O'Malley framework, Cochrane recommendations and PRISMA checklist were followed. Embase, PubMed, PsycINFO, ASSIA and Humanities Index were searched from first records until the 31st of March 2020. Snowballing process and screening of relevant journals were also undertaken. A panel of experts critically guided the evidence synthesis.ResultsOverall, 103 studies (34 RCT; 12 NRT; 40 Before/After studies and 17 Case Studies) met inclusion criteria. Basic elements of the Mbi, the rationale supporting its development and hypothesis tested were mostly underreported, thus hampering cross-study comparisons and generalizations. Despite this, available evidence indicates that: it is feasible to deliver Mbi to PwD at very different stages and in different settings - from community to the acute setting - even for non-music therapists; positive or neutral effects in BPSD are often reported but not without exception; individualization seems a critical factor mediating Mbi effects.ConclusionsDetailed intervention and research reporting are essential to interpretation, replication and translation into practice. Ten years after the publication of specific reporting guidelines, this goal is not yet fully achieved in music in dementia care

In-home Use of Personalized Music for Persons With Dementia

Although evidence is mounting that personalized music has beneficial effects for long-term care residents with dementia, little research has examined the effects of personalized music for the majority of persons with dementia living at home. These individuals live at home with care partners who may also benefit from having music that is personalized for their loved one. Using the Music & MemorySM program of personalized playlists delivered via iPod Shuffles®, the current study examined the effects of the Music & Memory program for persons with dementia by using the Bath Assessment of Subjective Quality of Life in Dementia scale and a Music Listening Experience Scale developed for this study. We also administered three scales that captured care partner experiences. Transcripts of the Bath Assessment of Subjective Quality of Life in Dementia administrations at the beginning of the study and 3 months later, plus interviews about the Music & Memory program, were then analyzed using the interpretive phenomenological analysis method. Themes about the Music & Memory program and life living with dementia for from diagnosed persons and their care partners are discussed