Music Therapy for Frailty in Patients with Dementia

October 24, 2024

Topics

To make evidence from Japanese music therapy

Music Therapy is the clinical & evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional. Music therapy interventions can address goals: Promote Wellness, Manage Stress, Alleviate Pain,

Music therapy can be used with anyone, from babies to older people, and there are no restrictions on the type of music used. However, evidence of its effectiveness has not been established because of its diversity.
Patients with dementia are vulnerable to "frailty," a state of mental and physical weakness. However, there is scarcely a continuable counterplan against it. We aim to provide evidence of the benefits of music therapy for patients with frail conditions.
In April 2024, researchers from multiple fields (nutrition, music therapy, music theory, medical and dental sciences, cognitive science, engineering, and care welfare) began a multidisciplinary study centered on Yamagata University.
This study provided music therapy at least six times every other week to patients with dementia who inhabited nursing homes in Yamagata, and this will continue. We are making evidence such that
- A structured music therapy program (45-50 minutes per session) created by the Japanese Music Therapy Association has proven effective.
- The food intake, biting force, salivation, and coordinated movement of the throat, mouth, and tang have improved.
- Participants were more motivated, and their heartbeats were confirmed to be more regular and stronger.
- A scientific analysis of the characteristics of the music is being conducted.
This study is expected to prove that music therapy is a multifaceted, effective therapy for frailty in patients with dementia.
We thank the nursing home staff, participants, and the coordinator, Koetsu Mineta.

▲The session of music therapy in the study at a nursing home in Yamagata, Japan

Research Group

Yamagata University: Noriko Mihara, Yasuyuki Ohta, Shigeo Ishikawa, Naoki Okuyama,Daisuke Kumaki,Tomochika Harada, Takaharu Kosakai, Akiko Nagura
Music Therapist: Sachiko Togashi, Kyoko Yoshida
Tohoku University (Chifumi Iseki)
Yamagata Prefectural Yonezawa University of Nutrition Sciences (Morimasa Kato)