Music Therapy: Passive Better Than Active for Those With Dementia, Study Finds

A study published in JAMDA, the Journal of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine , found listening to music appears to be more effective in reducing agitation, behavioral symptoms, and anxiety for seniors with dementia than does active participation such as singing or playing along with music, reports McKnight's Senior Living . The study's authors also suggest this form of therapy could help reduce off-label usage of antipsychotic medications for individuals with dementia and save money compared with implementing interactive music therapy. The researchers reviewed 38 studies involving 1,418 persons with dementia. Participants resided in memory care units, assisted living, residential communities, senior apartments, and other environments. The team learned that seniors who received receptive music therapy had significant decreases in agitation and behavioral symptoms versus those who were administered the "usual care" without the therapy. They observed no significant difference in behavioral problems and psychiatric symptoms between seniors who experienced interactive music therapy compare to usual care.