Date of Award
Spring 2021
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Dr. Kevin Basile
Second Advisor
Jodi Freeman
Abstract
Abstract:
Introduction: Affecting both memory and cognitive abilities, Alzheimer’s disease is a growing problem as the baby boomer population ages. Clinical trials for new medications fail or are slow going, researchers have sought alternatives to alleviate symptoms for patients of this disease. This paper will address the effect of music therapy on mood disturbance in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
Method: A literature search was completed in November of 2019 using PubMed, EBSCO Search, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Six articles were chosen based on relevance to the research question, study design, outcome, and results.
Results: Based on review, music therapy with interaction indicates a positive impact on mood disturbances in those suffering from Alzheimer’s. Evidence varies greatly among studies due to different methods of testing and types of interventions used; however overall results show music therapy has a positive impact on anxiety and depression.
Discussion: Though testing and therapy modalities varied across studies, the majority of studies found music has a positive effect on patients with AD. Many of these studies have limited population sizes further limited by drop out due to the nature of the disease. Inconsistency between types of music therapy performed in individual studies makes putting a treatment plan in place based on these results difficult. Further study on specific treatment plans should continue.
Conclusion: Medications for Alzheimer’s disease are not effective in alleviating symptoms alone. Music therapy allows for patients to connect with each other, staff, and their families while also decreasing depression, anxiety, and agitation. Nursing homes can easily implement music therapy to the benefit of their patients.
Recommended Citation
Bauer, Lauren, "In patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s, does music therapy help to decrease mood disturbances when compared to those not participating in music therapy?" (2021). Capstone Showcase. 19.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2021/pa/19
Included in
Art Therapy Commons, Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms Commons, Neurology Commons, Psychiatry Commons
In patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s, does music therapy help to decrease mood disturbances when compared to those not participating in music therapy?
Abstract:
Introduction: Affecting both memory and cognitive abilities, Alzheimer’s disease is a growing problem as the baby boomer population ages. Clinical trials for new medications fail or are slow going, researchers have sought alternatives to alleviate symptoms for patients of this disease. This paper will address the effect of music therapy on mood disturbance in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
Method: A literature search was completed in November of 2019 using PubMed, EBSCO Search, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Six articles were chosen based on relevance to the research question, study design, outcome, and results.
Results: Based on review, music therapy with interaction indicates a positive impact on mood disturbances in those suffering from Alzheimer’s. Evidence varies greatly among studies due to different methods of testing and types of interventions used; however overall results show music therapy has a positive impact on anxiety and depression.
Discussion: Though testing and therapy modalities varied across studies, the majority of studies found music has a positive effect on patients with AD. Many of these studies have limited population sizes further limited by drop out due to the nature of the disease. Inconsistency between types of music therapy performed in individual studies makes putting a treatment plan in place based on these results difficult. Further study on specific treatment plans should continue.
Conclusion: Medications for Alzheimer’s disease are not effective in alleviating symptoms alone. Music therapy allows for patients to connect with each other, staff, and their families while also decreasing depression, anxiety, and agitation. Nursing homes can easily implement music therapy to the benefit of their patients.