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A groundbreaking study published in Nature Mental Health has revealed how music therapy can alleviate distress and agitation in people with advanced dementia, providing a blueprint for personalized care approaches.
There are currently over 1 million people living with dementia in the UK, with more than half experiencing advanced stages of the disease. This often leads to symptoms such as agitation, aggression, wandering, and resistance to care, which require specialized management. The new study, led by Naomi Thompson of Anglia Ruskin University, is the first realist review of music therapy in dementia care, combining academic research with practical insights from stakeholders to create guidelines for personalized interventions.
Music therapy, which includes singing, playing, or listening to music, is already known to have therapeutic effects, but this study sheds light on the underlying mechanisms. The research shows that when music is tailored to the individual’s preferences and needs, it can provide a rapid reduction in agitation and anxiety, while enhancing attention, engagement, alertness, and mood.
Music’s impact on those with advanced dementia is linked to cognitive and sensory stimulation. It activates both sides of the brain, accessing remaining abilities and memories and helping people manage emotions. This leads to a reduction in physiological stress, particularly within the autonomic nervous system. Familiar songs, especially those from a person’s youth, can trigger positive memories, helping individuals feel more oriented and secure.
“Music is an accessible and nonverbal form of communication, offering opportunities for social interaction and emotional connection, regardless of cognitive impairment,” explains Thompson. “Our study shows why music therapy works—it meets the person’s need for stimulation, reinforces memory, encourages emotional expression, and helps reduce distress.”
The study emphasizes the need for music therapists to train other professionals involved in dementia care. It advocates for equipping staff with the resources to use music effectively, such as musical instruments and personalized playlists, and encourages families to incorporate music into the daily care routine. This approach not only benefits patients but can also reduce stress for caregivers and foster empathy between staff and patients.
Dr. Ben Underwood, a co-author of the study, highlights the importance of finding effective ways to manage distress in dementia patients: “Music is one of the most accessible tools we have to help people with advanced dementia. I’m excited to see this research contribute to improving care in NHS dementia wards.”
The study involved interviews with music therapists and healthcare staff on dementia wards, a review of existing research, and a national survey of healthcare professionals. Collaborating with Dementia UK, the research team aims to expand the use of music therapy in dementia care, offering a cost-effective solution to improve the well-being of individuals with dementia.
As the number of dementia diagnoses increases with an aging population, this study provides valuable insight into the therapeutic potential of music. With its ability to improve quality of life and reduce distress, music therapy could become a vital tool in dementia care for the future.
For more details, refer to the study: How and why music therapy reduces distress and improves well-being in advanced dementia care: a realist review, published in Nature Mental Health (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s44220-024-00342-x.
