Effects of ambient baroque music on patients with dementia

Comparing two caregiver-delivered music listening interventions for community-dwelling people with dementia: A randomised controlled crossover pilot trial

Objectives: To facilitate access to music-based interventions (MBIs) for people with dementia in the community, it is necessary to develop MBIs that can be used by people with dementia and their informal caregivers at home. In this pilot trial, we aimed to establish whether using slow and fast music of positive valence in a caregiver-delivered MBI results in differential effects. Methods: 17 person-with-dementia-and-caregiver dyads were randomised. Dyads underwent 6-week periods of two music listening interventions, 'MBI A' (consisting of fast, positively valenced music) and 'MBI B' (slow, positively valenced music). The order of these was crossed-over. Half of the dyads also completed a control intervention (6-week care-as-usual). People with dementia listened on tablets or CDs provided. Quantitative assessments included person with dementia outcomes (cognition, well-being, quality of life) and caregiver-reported outcomes (behavioural and psychiatric symptom severity and related distress). Dyads' descriptions of experiences were also recorded. Results: MBI A was associated with superior delayed recall compared to MBI B (MBI A- B: 1.04 [95% CI: 0.16, 1.92], p = .028, Hedge's gav = 0.70). Dyads' descriptions highlight 'in-the-moment' effects of the MBIs. Positive effects of MBI A included heightened mood and movement (e.g. clapping), MBI B was associated with relaxation. Conclusions: The positive effect of MBI A on delayed recall performance suggests that fast, positively valenced music may be explored further to support cognition in people with dementia. Dyads' reports underline the value of music listening to the momentary well-being of people with dementia.

Preferred music listening for people living with dementia: Two home-based case studies discussing compilation process, autobiographical and biophysical responses

Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in dementia can be reduced through music listening. Little has been reported on home-based listening, compilation processes, or individual responses that include biophysiological data. We aim to provide new insights from two home-based case studies focused on specific music selections. Participants were part of a larger study, co-designing an automated radio, diary reminder and personal playlist system for NPS management. Playlists were compiled that would have the best possible chance of achieving this, based on participants' autobiographical, narrative, heart rate (HR) and videoed responses. Participant's responses to their music aligned with the genre they chose - dancing to up-beat music, contrasting with subtle responses to Beethoven. Repeated listens may help to establish consistency of responses and allow time to communicate their genuine preferences, not those others suggested. If all of these data converge, then they could help confirm the suitability of music for NPS management.

The singer or the singing: who sings individually to persons with dementia and what are the effects?

''Live'' singing to persons with dementia (PWDs) may be an underused but highly accessible resource for their caregivers, regardless of qualifications. A systematic literature review sought to illuminate who sings to PWDs, and with what objectives and effects, to address the question of whether it is the singer or the singing which is effective. The literature revealed that music therapists seek to address cognitive, behavioral, physiological, and social factors through one-to-one singing, whereas other caregivers are more broadly concerned with quality of life, often through facilitating activities of daily living. All included studies concurred that individual singing to PWDs can be effective in a variety of ways, depending on contexts and goals. PWD's perceptions of situations may influence the effectiveness of singing interventions. Music therapists are urged to empower professional caregivers to sing sensitively to PWDs during caregiving activities.