Date Presented 04/22/2023
A survey design explored OT practitioners’ use and perceived benefits of music as a modality for persons with dementia (PWD). Improved social participation, leisure, rest, and sleep and fewer sundown behaviors were notable benefits (N = 89).
Primary Author and Speaker: Sarah Corey
Additional Authors and Speakers: Melinda Cozzolino
Contributing Authors: Carly Jo Hosbach-Cannon
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore occupational therapy practitioners use of music and its perceived effects on occupational participation and behavior for persons with Dementia (PWD).
DESIGN: This study used a quantitative survey design
METHOD: A researcher designed anonymous on-line Qualtrics survey was used. The survey consisted of multiple choice, multi-select, and visual analog scales. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics.
RESULTS: 73 Occupational Therapists and 16 occupational therapy assistants (N=89) completed the survey. 84% of respondents reported that they use music in therapy and believe it changes occupational participation. Using visual analoge scales as a measure with a range of 0-100, respondents reported a 69.11% mean change in occupational participation and 69.96% mean change in mood following treatment with music. The occupational domains (OTPF-4) subjects noted the most changes were in Social Participation (86.67%), Leisure (80%), Rest and Sleep (37.33%), ADLs: Feeding (27%). The most commonly employed methods of using music were dancing/moving to it (81%), listening (76%), background (69%) and reminiscing (62%). Further anayisis of the top rated occupational domains found that Dancing/Moving to music were the most employed method of using music for the Social Participation (83.08%) and Leisure (78.46%). 46% of respondents reported using music for PWD who have Sundown Syndrome. Of these 51.56% reported a perceived change in Sundown Syndrome behaviors when music is used.
CONCLUSION: Occupational Therapy Practioners are using music as a modality for PWD. Respondents perceived using music, most notably when combined with movement, as enhancing occupational participation in the areas of social participation, leisure, rest and sleep, and feeding. A decrease in sundowning behaviors was reported. Music as a modality, when combined with movement has perceived benefits in occupational participation for persons with dementia.
References
Cheung, D. S., Lai, C. K., Wong, F. K., & Leung, M. C. (2018). The effects of the music-with-movement intervention on the cognitive functions of people with moderate dementia: A randomized controlled trial. Aging and Mental Health, 22(3), 306-315. https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2016.1251571
Maki, Y. & Endo, H. (2018). The contribution of occupational therapy to building a dementia-positive community. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 81(10), 566-570. https://doi.org/10.1177/0308022618774508
Lyketsos, C., Carillo, M., Ryan, L., Khachaturian, A. S., Trzepacz, P., Amatniek, J., Cedarbaum, J., Brashear, R., & Miller, D. S. (2011). Neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s and Dementia, 7(5), 532-539. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jalz.2011.05.2410
