The effects of researcher-composed music at mealtime on agitation in nursing home residents with dementia.

Abstract

This study examined the effects of music at mealtimes on agitation in 22 nursing home residents with dementia. We used a pretest-posttest research design. We played researcher-composed music to residents at each of two mealtimes daily over a consecutive 4-week period. We observed and recorded agitation 24 hours daily for the 4-week period and the following 2-week period. Results revealed a significant decline in mean agitation scores. A cumulative dose effect and a short-term linger effect were observed. Findings suggest that soothing music may be beneficial in managing agitation in nursing home residents with dementia.

• Authors: Shu-Yuan Ho, Hui-Ling Lai, Shaw-Yeu Jeng, Chih-Wei Tang, Huei-Chuan Sung, Pin-Wen Chen
• Journal: Archives of psychiatric nursing (Arch Psychiatr Nurs) Vol. 25 Issue 6 Pg. e49-55 (Dec 2011) ISSN: 1532-8228 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 22114806 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Alzheimer Disease (psychology, therapy)
• Dementia (psychology, therapy)
• Feeding Behavior (psychology)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Music (psychology)
• Music Therapy (methods)
• Nursing Homes
• Psychomotor Agitation (prevention & control)
• Time Factors