Posters
Presenting Author Academic/Professional Position
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 1)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 2)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 3)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 4)
Faculty
Discipline/Specialty (Author 4)
Medical Education
Academic Level (Author 5)
Faculty
Discipline/Specialty (Author 5)
Medical Education
Presentation Type
Poster
Discipline Track
Clinical Science
Abstract Type
Research/Clinical
Abstract
Background: Investigations into the applications of music therapy for patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia has grown exponentially in the last decade. Within the years 2014-2024 there were 639 studies published on PubMed about the topic, more than double the 276 studies published in the 20 years prior to that (1994-2013). While interest in this topic has bloomed, few randomized control trials have been conducted. The aim of this review is to aggregate what conclusions have been made from previous research to inform novel study design for a randomized controlled trial for music therapy.
Methods: An electronic literature review was conducted using PubMed using the keywords “dementia,” “Alzheimer’s,” and “music therapy.” Randomized controlled trials published from 2014-2024 were included. Movement based (dance, exercised, etc) music therapy studies were excluded.
Results: The search yielded 97 results and of those 19 randomized controlled trials were found and included.
Conclusion: While the majority of the studies reviewed did not find cognitive improvements, in many cases music therapy was found to improve mood, decrease agitation, and increase quality of life for dementia patients. Further investigations should include randomized control studies that diversify the methods used for music therapy, especially including patients making music themselves.
Recommended Citation
Mourao, Nina; Woolman, Bethany; McElliott, Joshua; Mito, Shizue; and Alliey-Rodriguez, Ney, "The Sound of Healing: Investigating the Role of Music Therapy in Dementia Care" (2025). Research Symposium. 122.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/somrs/2025/posters/122
Included in
The Sound of Healing: Investigating the Role of Music Therapy in Dementia Care
Background: Investigations into the applications of music therapy for patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia has grown exponentially in the last decade. Within the years 2014-2024 there were 639 studies published on PubMed about the topic, more than double the 276 studies published in the 20 years prior to that (1994-2013). While interest in this topic has bloomed, few randomized control trials have been conducted. The aim of this review is to aggregate what conclusions have been made from previous research to inform novel study design for a randomized controlled trial for music therapy.
Methods: An electronic literature review was conducted using PubMed using the keywords “dementia,” “Alzheimer’s,” and “music therapy.” Randomized controlled trials published from 2014-2024 were included. Movement based (dance, exercised, etc) music therapy studies were excluded.
Results: The search yielded 97 results and of those 19 randomized controlled trials were found and included.
Conclusion: While the majority of the studies reviewed did not find cognitive improvements, in many cases music therapy was found to improve mood, decrease agitation, and increase quality of life for dementia patients. Further investigations should include randomized control studies that diversify the methods used for music therapy, especially including patients making music themselves.
