While there is evidence of the benefits of music for health and wellness, current US clinical practice does not commonly incorporate arts-based interventions, one drawback of which appears to be limited communication among practitioners within the arts, sciences, and health professions fields. This article shares a story of a 2-year multidisciplinary music in medicine program that aims to inspire joy and connection among people with dementia through interactive, creative musical experiences. The authors discuss the program from conception to pilot, canvass adaptations made to adhere to COVID-19 protocols, illuminate common themes of flexibility and curiosity, and share cross-campus, multidisciplinary collaboration experiences that guided the work.
Benefits of MusicResearch demonstrates that participatory arts can enhance older adults' mood, enjoyment, memory, and overall well-being. 1,2,3 Music making inherently builds community, serves as an emotional and social outlet, and provides a space for creative expression. Unlike recorded music, live interactive music provides auditory, visual, and tactile-kinesthetic stimulation. More specifically, the sensory stimulation from music making has been shown to improve overall mood and sense of well-being in people with dementia (PWD). 4,5 Dowlen et al have shown that participatory music has 4 key benefits for PWD: taking part, being connected, affirming identity, and immersion "in the moment." 6 Informed by application of Dowlen et al's research and models throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States,