The importance of music for people with dementia: the perspectives of people with dementia, family carers, staff and music therapists

Abstract

ObjectivesDespite the popularity of music-based interventions in dementia care, there is a limited knowledge of how and why people with dementia find music beneficial for their well-being. A qualitative study was conducted to develop further insights into the musical experiences of people with dementia and explore the meaning of music in their lives.MethodSeparate focus groups and interviews with (1) care home residents with dementia and their families, (2) day hospital clients with dementia, (3) care home staff, and (4) music therapists, were conducted. The findings of the thematic analysis were investigated further in the light of psychosocial factors with the aim of developing a theoretical model on music in dementia.ResultsSix key themes were identified. The accessibility of music for people at all stages of dementia, close links between music, personal identity and life events, the importance of relationship-building through music making were particularly highlighted as valuable. The psychosocial model of music in dementia was developed. The model revealed the importance of music to support the personal psychology of people with dementia and the social psychology of the care home environment.ConclusionThe effects of music go beyond the reduction of behavioural and psychological symptoms. Individual preference of music is preserved throughout the process of dementia. Sustaining musical and interpersonal connectedness would help value who the person is and maintain the quality of their life.

The Sensory Experiences of Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Analysis

“…The most common method of doing this was to play music. The use of music as a tool to soothe agitated individuals has been observed in people with dementia (Janata, 2012;McDermott, Orrell, & Ridder 2014) as well as individuals who have experienced a stroke (Forsblom, Latinen, Särkämö, & Tervaniemi, 2009). Furthermore, Stoudenmire (1975) found that music could have a significant effect on situational anxiety in the general population.…”

Exploring the impact of music concerts in promoting well-being in dementia care

“…Davidson and Almeida, 2014) might suggest that musical events in a variety of guises still appears to produce similar impacts on those involved. Second, we argue that the inclusion of interviews with family members, clients and nursing staff, all within the context of the same series of performances has enabled this study to address the limitations expressed earlier by McDermott et al, (2014).…”

“…As well as exploring the impact of music on specific behaviours, the improvement in the overall wellbeing of those living with dementia is similarly well documented, (Brotons, 2000;McDermott et al, 2013;Sherratt et al, 2004;Sixsmith & Gibson, 2007;and Sung et al, 2012) with further studies exploring the benefits of music on care-givers (Brotons and Marti, 2003;Davidson and Faulkner, 2010;Hammar et al, 2010;McDermott et al, 2014). In particular, music therapy has a long history and association with dementia research (Aldridge, 2000;Kadouchi, 2001;Maroi, 2007;Ridder & Aldridge, 2005;Spiro, 2010) and further work has demonstrated a number of innovative ways of using music in order to enhance the care of individuals with dementia (e.g.…”

“…language, social skills) have all but disappeared (Davidson & Almeida, 2014;Gold, 2014;Osman et al, 2014;Sixsmith & Gibson, 2007 Therefore as previous studies suggest, the use of music, and in particular live music (Camic et al, 2011;Holmes et al, 2006;Sherratt et al, 2004), can be a beneficial and effective non pharmacological intervention that increases both the quality of nursing care, as well as the overall wellbeing of those living with dementia. However, McDermott et al, (2014) point to the relatively limited number of studies that have been carried out from the perspective of all those involved in the care of individuals with dementia and highlight the value of 'sustaining the musical and interpersonal connectedness particularly when the progress of dementia becomes more prominent ... ' (p. 716). Therefore, the case for further research is well made.…”

Staff views of a music therapy group for people with intellectual disabilities and dementia: a pilot study

“…This is a common approach when evaluating the benefit of groups for people with more severe intellectual disabilities, and has also been used to explore the value of music therapy groups. For example, McDermott et al (2014a) recently used the views of staff team members (alongside the views of patients and family members) to explore the benefits of music therapy for people with dementia. Staff were found to view music therapy as an "inclusive social activity for all" (p. 9) and reported music therapy as an enjoyable experience for both themselves and residents.…”