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The impact of group music therapy on depression and cognition in elderly persons with dementia: a randomized controlled study

Authors

Chu, H., Yang, C.-Y., Lin, Y., Ou, K.-L., Lee, T.-Y., O'Brien, A. P., Chou, K.-R.

Journal

Biological Research For Nursing, Volume: 16, No.: 2, Pages.: 209-217

Year of Publication

2014

Abstract

Objective: The aims of this study were to determine the effectiveness of group music therapy for improving depression and delaying the deterioration of cognitive functions in elderly persons with dementia.; Method: The study had a prospective, parallel-group design with permuted-block randomization. Older persons with dementia (N = 104) were randomly assigned to the experimental or control group. The experimental group received 12 sessions of group music therapy (two 30-min sessions per week for 6 weeks), and the control group received usual care. Data were collected 4 times: (1) 1 week before the intervention, (2) the 6th session of the intervention, (3) the 12th session of the intervention, and (4) 1 month after the final session.; Results: Group music therapy reduced depression in persons with dementia. Improvements in depression occurred immediately after music therapy and were apparent throughout the course of therapy. The cortisol level did not significantly decrease after the group music therapy. Cognitive function significantly improved slightly at the 6th session, the 12th session, and 1 month after the sessions ended; in particular, short-term recall function improved. The group music therapy intervention had the greatest impact in subjects with mild and moderate dementia.; Conclusion: The group music intervention is a noninvasive and inexpensive therapy that appeared to reduce elders’ depression. It also delayed the deterioration of cognitive functions, particularly short-term recall function. Group music therapy may be an appropriate intervention among elderly persons with mild and moderate dementia.;

Bibtex Citation

@article{Chu_2013, doi = {10.1177/1099800413485410}, url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1099800413485410}, year = 2013, month = {may}, publisher = {{SAGE} Publications}, volume = {16}, number = {2}, pages = {209--217}, author = {H. Chu and C.-Y. Yang and Y. Lin and K.-L. Ou and T.-Y. Lee and A. P. O{textquotesingle}Brien and K.-R. Chou}, title = {The Impact of Group Music Therapy on Depression and Cognition in Elderly Persons With Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Study}, journal = {Biological Research For Nursing} }

Keywords

aged, aged, 80 and over, cognition disorders, cognitive function, complications, dementia, depression, elderly, female, humans, male, music therapy, prospective studies, therapy

Countries of Study

Taiwan

Types of Dementia

Dementia (general / unspecified)

Types of Study

Randomised Controlled Trial

Type of Outcomes

Behaviour, Cognition

Type of Interventions

Non-pharmacological Treatment, Treatment/prevention of co-morbidities or additional risks

Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions

Arts and Music Interventions (including Art and Music Therapy)

Co-Morbidities

Depression / Prevention Management