Efficacy of Music Therapy in the Treatment of Behavioral... : Alzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders (original) (raw)

Original Articles

Efficacy of Music Therapy in the Treatment of Behavioral and Psychiatric Symptoms of Dementia

Raglio, Alfredo MT* †; Bellelli, Giuseppe MD‡; Traficante, Daniela PsyD, PhD§; Gianotti, Marta MT*; Ubezio, Maria Chiara MD*; Villani, Daniele MD*; Trabucchi, Marco MD∥ ¶

*Sospiro Foundation

‡Alzheimer's Evaluation Unit, Ancelle della Carità Hospital, Cremona

†Interdem Group (Psycho-Social Interventions in Dementia)

§Department of Psychology and Education Technologies Research Center, Catholic University, Milan

∥Tor Vergata University, Rome

¶Geriatric Research Group, Brescia, Italy

Reprints: Alfredo Raglio, MT, Fondazione Sospiro, P.zza Libertà, 2 26048, Sospiro, Cremona, Italy (e-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]).

Received for publication May 7, 2007; accepted November 14, 2007

Abstract

Background

Music therapy (MT) has been proposed as valid approach for behavioral and psychologic symptoms (BPSD) of dementia. However, studies demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach are lacking.

Objective

To assess MT effectiveness in reducing BPSD in subjects with dementia.

Method

Fifty-nine persons with dementia were enrolled in this study. All of them underwent a multidimensional assessment including Mini Mental State Examination, Barthel Index and Neuropsychiatry Inventory at enrolment and after 8, 16, and 20 weeks. Subjects were randomly assigned to experimental (n=30) or control (n=29) group. The MT sessions were evaluated with standardized criteria. The experimental group received 30 MT sessions (16 wk of treatment), whereas the control group received educational support or entertainment activities.

Results

NPI total score significantly decreased in the experimental group at 8th, 16th, and 20th weeks (interaction time× group: _F_3, 165=5.06, _P_=0.002). Specific BPSD (ie, delusions, agitation, anxiety, apathy, irritability, aberrant motor activity, and night-time disturbances) significantly improved. The empathetic relationship and the patients' active participation in the MT approach, also improved in the experimental group.

Conclusions

The study shows that MT is effective to reduce BPSD in patients with moderate-severe dementia.