Remediation of cognitive and motor functions in Tunisian elderly patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease: implications of music therapy and/or physical rehabilitation

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of music therapy (MT) and/or physical rehabilitation (PR) on cognitive and motor function in elderly Tunisian male and female patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Male patients (N: 16; age: 74.19 ± 4.27 years; weight: 76.71 ± 5.22 kg) and female patients (N: 12; age: 71.46 ± 3.36 years; weight: 67.47 ± 4.31 kg) with mild AD were randomly assigned into 4 groups including control group (Co), PR group participated in physical rehabilitation, MT group received music therapy and MT + PR received both music therapy and physical rehabilitation. Participants were required to engage in the study for four months with three 60-min sessions per week. We found all scores of cognitive (MMSE, ADAS-Cog Total and the ADAS-Cog Memory subscale) and motor functions (step length, walking speed, 6MVT and BBS score) evaluated were the greatest in MT + PR compared to the other groups. Our study also demonstrated that MT has a greater effect on cognitive function, while PR has a more pronounced effect on motor function. Changes in MMSE scores were significantly positively correlated in the PR, MT and MT + PR groups with improvements in all motor functions including step length (r = 0.77), walking speed (r = 0.73), 6MVT (r = 0.75) and BBS scores (r = 0.78) in AD patients. In conclusion, the combination of MT and PR seems to be an appropriate intervention approach that needs consideration as a treatment strategy for elderly male and female patients with mild AD.

Benefits of Music Therapy in the Cognitive Impairments of Alzheimer’s-Type Dementia: A Systematic Review

“…Also, two studies comparing the effects of active and receptive music therapy were found in this review, including Särkämö et al [12] and Gómez Gallego et al [10,15]. In addition to those authors who attempted to compare the effects of music therapy with respect to other therapies, we can highlight Innes et al [11], who compared music therapy with a Kirtan Kriya (KK) Meditation programme, Giovagnoli et al [14], who compared it with a cognitive training programme, and Chéour et al [20], who were the only ones to compare it with a motor programme, both individually and combined with a music therapy programme.…”

“…As for more receptive or passive techniques, the use of music playback was used in experimental groups [11,[18][19][20] and control groups [12,15,16]. Arroyo-Anlló et al [18] and Chéour et al [20] were the only ones that used music selected by the participants to be listened to.…”

“…As for more receptive or passive techniques, the use of music playback was used in experimental groups [11,[18][19][20] and control groups [12,15,16]. Arroyo-Anlló et al [18] and Chéour et al [20] were the only ones that used music selected by the participants to be listened to. However, Innes et al [11] and Moltrasio et al [19] used CDs of music already set by them with instrumental music (Mozart, Bach, Vivaldi, Beethoven, Pachelbel, and Debussy) and classical music (Haydn Joseph's Symphony No.…”

Health policy considerations for combining exercise prescription into noncommunicable diseases treatment: a narrative literature review

“…Many systematic reviews and meta-analyses have revealed the comprehensive benefits that can be obtained from physical exercise ( 15–19 ). Exercise as a validated methodology has endured the test of time and can help individuals develop healthy lifestyles ( 20 ). Exercise is also a proven applied intervention for addressing illness and improving health and wellness ( 21 ).…”

Effect of Ward Noise Reduction Technology Combined with Music Therapy on Negative Emotions in Inpatients Undergoing Gastric Cancer Radiotherapy: A Retrospective Study

“…[ 6 ] Music therapy can make inpatients in a relaxed state to relieve stress, reduce anxiety and pain and improve sleep quality, which are all beneficial to the treatment and rehabilitation of patients. [ 7 ] For inpatients undergoing gastric cancer radiotherapy, in addition to their internal factors, the hospitalisation environment is an important factor affecting their adverse emotions. A good and comfortable ward environment can improve the emotions of patients.…”