The effect of music participation on the social behavior of Alzheimer's disease patients

Author(s): Namazi, Kevan H.

Journal/Book: Journal of Music Therapy. 1992; 29: 54-67.

Abstract: Eight adults (aged 67-85 yrs) with Alzheimer's disease who lived in a treatment facility were treated individually in 6 20-min music therapy sessions over 2 wks. Each S participated with the music therapist in one or more music activities, selected according to preferred music response and adapted to cognitive and motor functioning level. Frequency of social behavior was measured in a pretest-posttest in each session using direct observation of S behaviors recorded on a behavioral checklist. Evaluation of behavioral observations at the close of the treatment period indicated a 24% increase in social behavior for the group and varying rates of increase for Ss. Ss' positive responses to the music treatment during sessions were indicated by increased participation, smiling, eye contact, and verbal feedback expressing pleasure in the activities.

Note: music therapy; social behavior; 67 85 yr olds with Alzheimer's disease

Keyword(s): Alzheimers disease; music therapy; social behavior; aged ; very old; adulthood

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