In 2006, when I searched for research on the impact of personalized music, I found hundreds of research studies focused on music in general, but could find only one that showed how listening to favorite music could reduce agitation from dementia. During my years at Music & Memory, I encouraged others to study this phenomenon and better quantify impact. How can personal music help not just people with dementia, but also nursing home residents in general and hospital patients, as well as improve quality of life for those living at home?
Here are some highlights of current research that has demonstrated the real benefits of listening to favorite music for people with dementia:
Reduced use of antipsychotics and other mood-altering medications
“Individualized Music Program is Associated with Improved Outcomes for U.S. Nursing Home Residents with Dementia”
The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 2017
Improved brain function in adults with Alzheimer’s
“Increased Functional Connectivity After Listening to Favored Music in Adults With Alzheimer Dementia”
The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease, 2018
Easing of agitation and boosting mood
“An Individualized Music-Based Intervention for Acute Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Hospitalized Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment: A Prospective, Controlled, Nonrandomized Trial”
Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, 2018
Improved swallowing, self-feeding and reduced choking
“Music & Memory” and improved swallowing in advanced dementia”
Dementia: The International Journal of Social Research and Practice, 2018
Reduced falls, physical altercations and transfer to psychiatric ERs
“Music & Memory in Dementia Care”
International Journal of Neurorehabilitation, 2017
Reduced anxiety related to delirium
“Music intervention to prevent delirium among older patients admitted to a trauma intensive care unit and a trauma orthopaedic unit”
Intensive and Critical Care Nursing, 2018
Ongoing Research
“Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis and California Association of Health Facilities.
Longitudinal study launched in 2016 to examine impact of personal music on improving lives of nursing home residents with Alzheimer’s and other cognitive disorders.”
Now, more than ever, personal music can mean the difference between isolation and inspiration.