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Dementia Care Research and Psychosocial Factors
Shuai Liu1,2, Junyi Wang1,2, Yong Ji1,2
1Department of Neurology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, Tianjin dementia institute, Tianjin, Tianjin, China.
Alzheimer'S & Dementia : the Journal of the Alzheimer'S Association
|December 25, 2025
Summary
Music therapy significantly improved cognitive function and reduced behavioral symptoms in early Alzheimer's disease (AD). This non-pharmacological approach also lessened caregiver burden, showing promise as a complementary AD treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) management often seeks non-pharmacological interventions.
- Music therapy is explored for its potential benefits in AD, yet biomarker mechanisms require further investigation.
- Evidence on music therapy's impact on cognitive function, behavioral symptoms, daily living activities, and caregiver burden in early AD is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of music therapy on cognitive function, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), activities of daily living (ADL), and caregiver burden in early AD.
- To explore potential changes in plasma biomarkers associated with music therapy intervention in early AD.
- To assess the efficacy of music therapy as a complementary treatment for early-stage Alzheimer's disease.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 61 participants with mild cognitive impairment due to AD or mild AD, confirmed by PET scanning for beta-amyloid.
- Neuropsychological assessments (MMSE, ADL, NPI, CDR, ZBI) and plasma biomarkers (Aβ1-42, Aβ1-40, pTau181, GFAP, NfL) were measured at baseline and post-intervention.
- Generalized linear mixed models were used to analyze changes in cognition and neuropsychology as primary outcomes.
Main Results:
- Music therapy intervention led to significant improvements in MMSE, NPI, and ADL scores after 3 and 6 months compared to the control group.
- Significant improvements in ZBI scores were observed at 6 months.
- Specific improvements were noted in time orientation, recall (MMSE), and reductions in agitation, apathy, aberrant motor behavior, and nighttime disturbances (NPI).
- No statistically significant changes in plasma biomarkers were found, though trends suggested a decrease in ptau181 in APOE ε4 carriers.
Conclusions:
- Music therapy is an effective intervention for improving neuropsychological symptoms and reducing caregiver burden in early AD.
- While plasma biomarker changes were not statistically significant, observed trends warrant further investigation.
- Music therapy is recommended as a beneficial complementary treatment for individuals with early-stage Alzheimer's disease.
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