1. Does Music Therapy Reduce Agitation in Those With Dementia?
Lifecare at South Mountain
Grey Group
Scott Duemler
Stefanie Jimenez
Sam Moreno
Darren Reed
Christine Serrano
Jessica Slaughter
Nadia Vasquez

2. We are exploring if implementation of
music therapy for
patients 65+
with Dementia
reduces agitation.

3. How Music Affects Us The brain perceives music via the auditory canal.
various parts of the brain are activated to decode, make connections of memory and perhaps to evoke a motor response.
strong emotional music activates more parts of the brain.
the brain makes powerful connections and can literally be bathed in blood giving a 'whole brain reaction' during which we are swamped by feelings, and 'immersed in the music.'

4. The Effects of Music Therapy for Older People with Dementia By: Michelle Wall, Anita Duffy
Literature Review
Explore studies on how music therapy influences the behavior of older people with dementia
The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA)
Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) 
LITERATURE SEARCH
Eligible studies
Research Content Reviewed
Authors
STUDIES REVIEWED
Suzuki et al (2007)
Gotell et al (2003)
Gerdner (2005)

5. Individualized Music Therapy
The Study
Performed on an experimental group along with a control group.
Music played during known peak times of agitation.
Evaluated the effectiveness of the music Therapy
Outcome
Decreased frequency of agitation or disruptive behaviors
Decreased combativeness
Decreased use of psychotropic drugs
Decrease use of physical restraints
Decreased likelihood of elopement

6.  ”An investigation of long-term effects of group music therapy on agitation levels of people with Alzheimer's Disease.”
The Study
Conducted in various nursing homes
Control and experimental groups
Length of study was 1 year
Session material
Results
Decrease in verbal aggressive behavior
No long-term benifits

7. “Music therapy for people with dementia”
Study
47 participants attending 3 mornings a week for 8 weeks a 40 minute live music session of familiar song-singing with guitar playing.
Residents were encouraged to actively participate through singing/humming, playing instruments, and movement.
Verbal agitation was noted in approximately 85% of care plans of participants (before study)
Results
Lack of significant findings
Short term nature of the positive effects of the music intervention
Time of day may be a factor LTC facilities only allowed morning sessions, however there could be different results if study could be performed during peak agitation times
Some evidence that music group activities offered opportunities to improve the verbalization behavior of those with dementia
Study did conclude that cognitive impairments, gender, and length of stay in the facility are predictors of agitation

8. “Individualized Music for Elders with Dementia”
Wrap Up
“The Effects of Music Therapy for Older People with Dementia”
Positive change in agitation and social skills
Live music most beneficial
Effects are typically short lived
Methodological flaws limited many studies
“Individualized Music for Elders with Dementia”
Guideline establishing individualized approach to music therapy
“A Randomized controlled trial Exploring the Effect of Music on Agitated Behaviors and Anxiety in Older People with Dementia”
No significant reduction in agitation found
More methodological limitations
”An Investigation of Long-Term Effects of Group Music Therapy on Agitation Levels of People with Alzheimer's Disease”
Design flaws and lack of randomness across comparison groups

9. Summary Nursing Implications Use an individualized approach
Assess effectiveness with each patient
Music interventions may decrease the need for physical and chemical restraints.
Music therapy is inexpensive and non-invasive
Music therapy research is young and much of it flawed
Effects of music therapy may be short-lived
Individualized approaches may be necessary
Holistic view necessary to evaluate other potential benefits for patient, family, and staff