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Understanding Music Participation for Adults With Down Syndrome
Jennie L Dorris1, Juleen Rodakowski1, Angela Caldwell1
1Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Adults with Down syndrome frequently listen to music, and some play it. Multiracial individuals with Down syndrome showed higher music engagement, suggesting music as a valuable support.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Music Therapy
Background:
- Adults with Down syndrome face increased Alzheimer's risk.
- Music shows potential for supporting cognitive function in this population.
- Limited services exist for adults with Down syndrome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine music participation frequency in adults with Down syndrome.
- To explore associations between music participation and demographic factors (age, race, intellectual disability).
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to 27 care partners of adults with Down syndrome.
- Music participation was assessed via 'listening' and 'playing' using the Guernsey Community Participation and Leisure Assessment.
Main Results:
- 92.6% of adults with Down syndrome listened to music; 33.3% played music weekly or daily.
- A significant association was found between race and playing music.
- Many adults could engage with music independently.
Conclusions:
- Multiracial adults with Down syndrome demonstrated higher music playing frequency.
- Further research should explore musical needs of diverse adults with Down syndrome.
- Music can be a meaningful, low-burden activity for this population.
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