Authors:

MCDERMOTT Orii, et al

Journal article citation:

International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 28(8), 2013, pp.781-794.

Publisher:

Wiley

This systematic review uses a narrative synthesis format to determine evidence for effectiveness and provide insight into a model of action of music therapy. The narrative synthesis framework consists of four elements: (i) theory development; (ii) preliminary synthesis of findings; (iii) exploration of relationships between studies; and (iv) assessment of the robustness of the synthesis. Electronic and hand searches identified 263 potentially relevant studies. Eighteen studies met the full inclusion criteria. Three distinctive strands of investigations emerged: eight studies explored behavioural and psychological aspects, five studies investigated hormonal and physiological changes, and five studies focused on social and relational aspects of music therapy. The musical interventions in the studies were diverse, but singing featured as an important medium for change. Evidence for short-term improvement in mood and reduction in behavioural disturbance was consistent, but there were no high-quality longitudinal studies that demonstrated long-term benefits of music therapy. Future music therapy studies need to define a theoretical model, include better-focused outcome measures, and discuss how the findings may improve the well-being of people with dementia. (Edited publisher abstract)

Subject terms:

dementia, music therapy, challenging behaviour, interpersonal relationships, evaluation;

Content type:

systematic review

Link:

Journal home page

ISSN online:

1099-1166

ISSN print:

0885-6230

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