Effects of a Personalized Music Intervention for Persons with Dementia and their Caregivers

Given the challenges of developing disease-modifying treatments for Alzheimer's disease and related disorders, non-pharmacological interventions represent an increasingly promising approach in long-term care settings. Music-based interventions have been effective in improving the quality of life by influencing biopsychosocial factors that play a role in the progression of illnesses such as depression and anxiety. However, approaches have tended to focus exclusively on the person with dementia rather than integrating caregivers.

This study aimed to determine the impact of a music-based intervention on the quality of life of persons with dementia and their caregivers.

A mixed-methods study was conducted with seven dyads consisting of residents (aged 76-92) with diagnoses of dementia and their caregivers (aged 53-84) at a skilled nursing facility in Pennsylvania. Eight music intervention sessions were completed in the presence of the resident and caregiver using personalized playlists created for the dyad. Pre- and post-intervention questionnaires were administered during each session, and observational data for both residents and caregivers were collected.

Caregivers reported feeling less overwhelmed after the intervention with a mean difference of -0.24±0.14, p = 0.016. Mean difference in the other 5 responses showed that listening to music had a beneficial impact for resident/caregiver dyads. Observations of interpersonal behavior supported the benefit of the intervention for these dyads.

Quantitative analysis of a personalized music intervention for residents/caregivers showed positive trends in increasing personal connection, and qualitative data identified greater appreciation of the relationship and increased bonding.