Journal Article

DZNE-2025-00732

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Comparing two caregiver-delivered music listening interventions for community-dwelling people with dementia: A randomised controlled crossover pilot trial.

Hofbauer, L. M. (First author)DZNE* ; Rodriguez, P. F. S. (Last author)DZNE*

2025
Sage Thousand Oaks, Calif. [u.a.]

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1177/14713012251334185

Abstract: Objectives: To facilitate access to music-based interventions (MBIs) for people with dementia in the community, it is necessary to develop MBIs that can be used by people with dementia and their informal caregivers at home. In this pilot trial, we aimed to establish whether using slow and fast music of positive valence in a caregiver-delivered MBI results in differential effects. Methods: 17 person-with-dementia-and-caregiver dyads were randomised. Dyads underwent 6-week periods of two music listening interventions, 'MBI A' (consisting of fast, positively valenced music) and 'MBI B' (slow, positively valenced music). The order of these was crossed-over. Half of the dyads also completed a control intervention (6-week care-as-usual). People with dementia listened on tablets or CDs provided. Quantitative assessments included person with dementia outcomes (cognition, well-being, quality of life) and caregiver-reported outcomes (behavioural and psychiatric symptom severity and related distress). Dyads' descriptions of experiences were also recorded. Results: MBI A was associated with superior delayed recall compared to MBI B (MBI A- B: 1.04 [95% CI: 0.16, 1.92], p = .028, Hedge's gav = 0.70). Dyads' descriptions highlight 'in-the-moment' effects of the MBIs. Positive effects of MBI A included heightened mood and movement (e.g. clapping), MBI B was associated with relaxation. Conclusions: The positive effect of MBI A on delayed recall performance suggests that fast, positively valenced music may be explored further to support cognition in people with dementia. Dyads' reports underline the value of music listening to the momentary well-being of people with dementia.

Keyword(s): Humans (MeSH) ; Dementia: therapy (MeSH) ; Dementia: psychology (MeSH) ; Music Therapy: methods (MeSH) ; Caregivers: psychology (MeSH) ; Pilot Projects (MeSH) ; Male (MeSH) ; Female (MeSH) ; Cross-Over Studies (MeSH) ; Independent Living (MeSH) ; Aged (MeSH) ; Quality of Life (MeSH) ; Aged, 80 and over (MeSH) ; Middle Aged (MeSH) ; community care ; informal cargeivers ; music-based interventions ; non-pharmacological interventions ; pilot trial ; randomised controlled trial

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Psychosocial Epidemiology and Public Health (AG Rodriguez)

Research Program(s):

1. 353 - Clinical and Health Care Research (POF4-353) (POF4-353)

Appears in the scientific report 2025

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Database coverage:
; ; ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Social and Behavioral Sciences ; Essential Science Indicators ; National-Konsortium ; SCOPUS ; Social Sciences Citation Index

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