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/Marcela Barsse
How Sweet the Sound
Research Evidence for the Use of Music in
Alzheimers Dementia
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to provide an traditional methods of management, with
evidence-based synthesis of the research minimal risk to the client. A rating system
literature on music intervention for agitated assigning levels of evidence to support
behavior in Alzheimers dementia. A quali- these interventions was used, and implica-
tative review of the literature supported tions for nursing practice innovations and
music as a low-cost, simple alternative to further research are discussed.
Jan Witzke, RN, BSN; Rebecca A. Rhone, RN, BSN, CWS, FACCWS;
Diane Backhaus, RN, BSN; and Nanette A. Shaver, RN, BSN
46 JOGNonline.com
sessed study designs and emphasized and Chang centered
the confounding factors of medica- their review on
tion use and the Alzheimers disease evaluating preferred
process itself. music interventions or
In her review, Madan (2005) dis- comparisons of preferred
cussed her previously unpublished music interventions with other
randomized controlled trial testing kinds of music to determine effects on
a preferred music intervention for agitated behaviors.
disruptive behaviors in dementia. Most recently, the Cochrane De-
Although she reported a significant mentia and Cognitive Improvement
interventions may be implemented change in scores on the Disruptive Group examined the effect of music
at relatively low cost in a variety of Behavior Scale, she noted that a power therapy and concluded the method-
settings by nurses, nursing assistants, ological quality and reporting of the
activity staff, volunteers, and family included studies were too poor to
members (Gerdner, 2007). draw any useful conclusions (Vink
A music intervention et al., 2003, p. 1). It is our suggestion,
Previous Literature is easy to incorporate however, that the results of this rig-
Reviews orous review of music therapy inter-
The findings of seven previous
into daily care, is ventions may be supplemented with
reviews of music interventions in inexpensive, and is a broader base of evidence from the
dementia were examined during our literature. As one nursing research
search. Goodall and Etters (2005)
noninvasive. expert noted, in determining the best
noted that studies conducted af- evidence related to care models for
ter 2000 appear more rigorous than patients with Alzheimers disease,
those conducted prior and discussed analysis using a sample size of 141 was experimental and non-experimen-
the realistic barriers of sufficient needed to determine if these results tal studies may be the best evidence
sample size and randomization of were truly statistically significant. available (Goode, 2003). Therefore,
participants in the chosen population Sherratt et al. (2004) focused their the aim of our review is to synthe-
of interest. Koger, Chapin, and Bro- qualitative review of the literature on size not only the findings of primary
tons (1999) provided a meta-analysis the outcome behaviors of engagement experimental studies as in the Co-
of music/music therapy interven- and participation, not only on problem chrane review, but also to gather a
tions to update and statistically cu- behaviors. Notably, they discussed the wider range of previously published
mulate the findings on this topic; Theory of Personhood to support the data and examine these findings to
they concluded the overall results idea that well-being, as well as ill-be- propose levels of evidence that may
did not provide sufficient data to de- ing (as in measuring agitated behav- or may not support music as an in-
termine the effectiveness of specific iors), may provide a better measure tervention to decrease agitated be-
music interventions. Lou (2001) as- of interventional effect. In 2005, Sung haviors in Alzheimers dementia.
Denney (1997), Quasi-experimental, III Classical music selections played just above Inappropriate verbal, vocal, or motor
midwestern United time series; background noise level in dining room during activities that cannot be attributed
States N=9 lunchtime. No music was played on weeks 1 and directly to manifest needs or confusion
3. Music was played on weeks 2 and 4.
Gerdner (1997), Case study; VI Preferred music was played on an audiocassette Flat affect, pacing, repetitious verbal-
location not identi- N=1 for 30 minutes 2 days per week for a total of 15 izations regarding desire to leave, and
fied sessions. incoherent speech
Gerdner (2000), Experimental, III Individualized or classical relaxation music was Inappropriate verbal or motor activ-
midwestern United repeated measures played for 30 minutes two times per week for 6 ity that is not explained by needs or
States crossover design; weeks, with a 2-week washout period in between. confusion
N = 39
Gerdner (2005), Pilot study using re- III Individualized music played on a portable CD Inappropriate verbal or motor activ-
southern United peated measures and player at a time preceding peak level of agitation ity that is not explained by needs or
States mixed methodology; and on an as-needed basis confusion
N=8
Goddaer & Abraham Quasi-experimental, III Relaxing music defined as neutral with unrec- Inappropriate verbal, vocal, or motor
(1994), Belgium repeated measures, ognizable tunes, played during mealtime at a activities that cannot be attributed
ABAB (A = no music, decibel level just above the average noise level directly to manifest needs or confusion
B = music); on weeks 2 and 4
N = 29
Hicks-Moore (2005), Quasi-experimental; III Relaxing music played during the evening meal Inappropriate verbal or motor activi-
Canada N = 30 on weeks 2 and 4 ties that cannot be explained by needs
or confusion
Olsen et al. (2000), Quasi-experimental, III Musical Memory Lane and Video Memory Lane Agitation as one target behavior
eastern United within-participants, interventions that present nostalgic music and (examples of target behaviors include
States longitudinal design; videos in easy-to-use format smiling, laughing, agitation, wander-
N = 15 ing, sleeping, fidgeting)
Ragneskog et al. Quasi-experimental, III Intervention compared individualized music and Signs of agitation included screaming,
(2001), Sweden within-participants, classical music with a no music control; music was restlessness, aggressiveness, or fight-
time series design; played for 30 minutes in each session ing; facial expressions
N=4
Sung, Chang, & Quasi-experimental; III Preferred music provided in mid-afternoon for 30 Inappropriate verbal or motor activ-
Abbey (2006), N = 32 minutes twice per week for 6 weeks ity that is not explained by needs or
Taiwan confusion
Tabloski et al. Quasi-experimental, III Calming music selection, played for each partici- Fourteen agitated behaviors on the
(1995), eastern repeated measures; pant either in own room or a familiar lounge on Agitated Behavior Scale (ABS)
United States N = 20 two separate occasions for 15 minutes each
48 JOGNonline.com
Strength of Evidence
In the 1970s, the disciplines of
nursing and medicine began viewing
their respective practices with a criti-
cal eye on the scientific rationale for
interventions (Goode, 2003; White,
Measure of Outcomes Results 2004). During this time period,
Observers counted the number of par- No significant change in amount of agitated behav- problem-oriented, research-based
ticipants exhibiting agitated behaviors ior was displayed over the course of the study. interventions were developed by the
at 1-minute intervals over 30-minute Western Interstate Commission for
time periods (the placheck method). Higher Education research utiliza-
CMAI as modified by Goddaer & Abra- Incidence of all agitated behaviors was reduced. tion project, which teamed a nurse
ham (1994) was used to record behav- Specific syndromes of verbally agitated behaviors clinician and nurse educator. In 1972,
iors on the last day of each week. and physically nonaggressive behaviors decreased due to concern about effectiveness
most with the music intervention. and efficiency, Cochrane, a British
Observed behavior was recorded in a Participant smiled and then danced; stated, This epidemiologist, challenged the medi-
qualitative fashion. is fun; made no statements indicating a desire to cal community to base practice deci-
leave. sions on rigorous research evidence
Behaviors observed using a modified Significantly greater decrease in frequency of
versus tradition and expert opinion
version of the CMAI agitated behaviors with the individualized music alone. This challenge eventually led to
intervention compared with the classical music the evidence-based medicine (EBM)
movement and the establishment of
A modified version of the CMAI; the Agitation was significantly reduced on day shift
both the Cochrane Collaboration in
Agitation Visual Analog Scale (VAS); throughout the 8 weeks. Agitation was significantly 1993 and the Evidence-Based Medi-
open-ended interviews reduced on evening shift on weeks 5 through 8. cine Working Group (Goode, 2003).
Levels of evidence, which cat-
CMAI as modified by the authors to Significant differences were found in the cumulative
egorize the statistical strengths and
measure behaviors as absent or present incidence of agitated behaviors and for the dimen- weaknesses of individual research
during mealtime sions of physically nonaggressive behaviors and or meta-analyses, vary in complex-
verbally agitated behaviors. ity between EBM and evidence-
based nursing (EBN). The scope
CMAI as modified by Goddaer & Abra- Decreased incidence of agitated behaviors ob- of evidence to support nursing
ham (1994) served in the weeks music was played in compari- practice is generally more inclusive
son to the weeks music was not played than is EBM (Goode, 2003; Stetler,
Data were collected by direct observa- Favorable impact on engagement, stimulated
2003). Ciliska (2006) defined EBN
tion using hand-held computers. positive affect, and activity-related talking, while as the incorporation of the best
also reducing fidgeting. Clients chose a Memory research evidence along with pa-
Lane activity significantly more often than other tient preferences, the clinical set-
activities and remained engaged for longer periods. ting and circumstances, and health-
Observers analyzed randomly selected Effect of classical music was not as evident as effect care resources into decisions about
samples of videorecorded sessions. of individualized music. Two patients became calm- patient care (p. 38). Therefore,
Segment samples were analyzed using er with interventions. Effect of music was minimal EBM focuses on randomized con-
a Facial Action Coding System. for 2 patients with the most severe dementia. trolled trials to make recommenda-
Behaviors observed using the CMAI Significant reduction in overall agitation and physi- tions for clinical practice, while the
cally nonaggressive behaviors range of EBN can include evidence
from randomized controlled trials
ABS measured preintervention, Significant difference was found in agitation scores,
or quasi-experimental, descriptive,
intervention, and postintervention both during and after the calming music interven- or qualitative studies in developing
behaviors tion. practice standards (Melnyk & Fine-
out-Overholt, 2005). Both medicine
and nursing scientific inquiry evalu-
ate authoritative opinion and expert
consensus but ascribe guarded sta-
tus to this evidence when making
recommendations for practice.
2 Music interventions are simple, low-cost alternatives to tradi- verify observer training and inter-
tional management, may include the presentation of recorded rater agreement (Clair & Bernstein,
music by a variety of caregivers, and are supported by an evi- 1994; Gerdner, 2000, 2005; Olsen et
dence-based review of the literature. al., 2000; Sung et al., 2006). Impor-
tantly, 5 studies reported standard-
50 JOGNonline.com
Implications for Nursing personal communication, November riatric Psychiatry, 11, 194-203.
Ballard, C.G., OBrien, J.T., Reichelt, K., &
Several implications for nurs- 15, 2006). Formalized plans of care
Perry, E.K. (2002). Aromatherapy as a safe
ing practice can be derived from the used in these settings involved nurs- and effective treatment for the manage-
studies reviewed: es, a music therapist, and an activity ment of agitation in severe dementia: The
l Music interventions may therapist and included assessment of results of a double-blind, placebo-con-
decrease the need for physical and triggering factors for agitated behav- trolled trial with Melissa. Journal of Clini-
cal Psychiatry, 63, 553-558.
chemical restraints (Hicks-Moore, iors and a prescribed music interven-
Bradley, I. (1989). The book of hymns. New
2005). tion, lasting 15 to 30 minutes, based York: Random House.
l When using music or any on client preferences. Brotons, M., & Pickett-Cooper, P.K. (1996).
intervention, continued assessment The effects of music therapy intervention
is important. Not only should the Recommendations and on agitation behaviors of Alzheimers dis-
ease patients. Journal of Music Therapy,
clients response be evaluated, but Conclusion
33(1), 2-18.
other clients in the environment Although the literature has con- Casby, J.A., & Holm, M.B. (1994). The effect
should also be monitored as they tributed a great deal to the body of of music on repetitive disruptive vocaliza-
may find the music unpleasant knowledge regarding music inter- tions of persons with dementia. The Amer-
(Gerdner, 2005). Headphones may ventions, there is still much to be ican Journal of Occupational Therapy, 48,
883-889.
be an important tool for the music learned. For example:
Churchill, M., Safaoui, J., McCabe, B.W., &
intervention to protect others in the l Is there an anxiety reduction
Baun, M.M. (1999). Using a therapy dog
environment (Madan, 2005). mechanism underlying the observed to alleviate the agitation and desocializa-
l A music intervention is easy to effect of music (Irish et al., 2006)? tion of people with Alzheimers disease.
incorporate into daily care, is inex- l Would the examination of Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Men-
tal Health Services, 37(4), 16-22.
pensive, and is noninvasive (Hicks- well-being in addition to ill-being
Ciliska, D. (2006). Evidence-based nursing:
Moore, 2005). (as in measuring agitated behav- How far have we come? Whats next? Evi-
l The volume of music should iors) provide a better measure of dence Based Nursing Online, 9, 38-40.
be adjusted to match the hearing interventional effect (Sherratt et al., Clair, A.A., & Bernstein, B. (1994). The ef-
function of the individual resident 2004)? fect of no music, stimulative background
music and sedative background music on
(Clair & Bernstein, 1994) and to l Are there direct and indirect
agitated behaviors in persons with severe
provide the optimal level of audi- effects of music on the caregiver? dementia. Activities, Adaptation & Aging,
tory stimuli (Irish et al., 2006). l What, if any, are the long-term 19(1), 61-70.
Overall, our review suggests sup- effects of music on clients behav- Clark, M.E., Lipe, A.W., & Bilbrey, M. (1998).
portive evidence to recommend the iors? Use of music to decrease aggressive behav-
iors in people with dementia. Journal of
use of music as an intervention in l What is the most effective
Gerontological Nursing, 24(7), 10-17.
nursing practice. In fact, a national dosage of music in regard to the Cohen-Mansfield, J., & Billig, N. (1986). Agi-
guideline was recently established frequency and duration of the inter- tated behaviors in the elderly. I. A concep-
outlining the use of an individual- vention? tual review. Journal of the American Geri-
ized music intervention in dementia Current study findings point atrics Society, 34, 711-721.
Cohen-Mansfield, J., Marx, M.S., & Rosen-
(Gerdner, 2007). Also, the Univer- toward the efficacy of individual-
thal, A.S. (1989). A description of agitation
sity of Iowa (2007) offers a quick ized music as a simple, low-cost al- in a nursing home. Journal of Gerontology,
reference guide and consumer infor- ternative to physical and chemical 44, M77-M84.
mation sheet describing an individu- restraints. The evidence supports Denney, A. (1997). Quiet music: An interven-
alized music intervention strategy in music as a therapeutic nursing inter- tion for mealtime agitation? Journal of Ge-
rontological Nursing, 23(7), 16-23.
dementia. vention that may serve to enhance
Gerdner, L. (1997). An individualized music
Opportunities for interdisciplin- the quality of life for many clients intervention for agitation. Journal of the
ary or collaborative practice are with Alzheimers dementia. American Psychiatric Nurses Association,
available to nurses and activity ther- 3, 177-184.
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52 JOGNonline.com