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

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

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.'

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)

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

 ”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

“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

“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

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