A new study has found that group music therapy significantly reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression in dementia patients residing in nursing homes. The research, conducted in Nigeria, highlights the therapeutic potential of music as a non-pharmacological intervention, offering a much-needed alternative to medication for managing mental health issues in older adults with dementia.
The study, published in the Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, employed a quasi-experimental design involving 121 dementia patients across two nursing homes in Nigeria. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group that received music therapy and a control group that did not. Over six weeks, the experimental group participated in 12 sessions of music therapy, which included both passive listening and active music-making.
The sessions were carefully designed to cater to the preferences and abilities of the patients. Live music performances on various instruments, such as the piano, flute, violin, and saxophone, followed the opening exercises and background music used in music therapy sessions to engage the participants. The sessions concluded with participants recounting personal stories, fostering a sense of community and emotional connection.
According to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), both groups had similar levels of anxiety and depression prior to the intervention. But after six weeks of music therapy, the experimental group showed a marked decrease in these symptoms. Their mean scores for anxiety and depression dropped from 10.66 to 3.84, and then further to 2.82 during a follow-up assessment three months later. In contrast, the control group, which did not receive any music therapy, showed no significant improvement, with their scores remaining consistently high.
The research provides strong evidence that music therapy can be a valuable tool in managing the mental health of dementia patients. It not only offers immediate relief from symptoms of anxiety and depression but also sustains its benefits over time. The study’s findings are particularly significant for countries like Nigeria, where non-pharmacological treatments for dementia are under-researched and underutilised.
The study’s authors advocate for the integration of music therapy into the standard care provided to dementia patients in nursing homes. They suggest that music therapy should be considered a viable option alongside traditional treatments, particularly for those who may be at risk of adverse effects from psychotropic medications. The results of this study underscore the importance of adopting a holistic approach to dementia care that addresses the emotional and psychological needs of patients as well as their physical health.
Despite its promising results, the study does have some limitations. It was conducted in only two nursing homes, which may limit the generalisability of the findings. Additionally, the study only included patients over the age of 65, and the effects of music therapy on younger dementia patients remain unexplored. Future research could expand on these findings by including a broader range of participants and settings.
