Striking the right chord with mUsic in NurSing home resIdeNts with dEmentia

This study will investigate the effects of a individual listening music intervention and a individual music therapy intervention on behaviour, well-being, quality of life and communication behaviour in nursing home residents with dementia. The negative impact of
dementia has been widely studied: psychological, behavioural and physical symptoms decrease the quality of life of both people with dementia and their caregivers. There is thus far no cure for dementia. Multiple
studies have found that music interventions for people with dementia may reduce or delay depression, functional problems and problem behaviour and distress in their caregivers.
Individual music therapy and listening to individualized music constitute a promising non/pharmacological intervention for people with dementia. However, previous studies contained a number of
methodological limitations. Moreover, evidence regarding the effectiveness of such interventions is limited.
Objective: The main objective of this study is to investigate the effects of individual music therapy or listening to individualized music three times a week for minimal 30 minutes during 3 weeks on
neuropsychiatric symptoms and well-being in nursing home residents with dementia Secondary objectives are to study the effects of listening to
individualized music on mood, quality of life, daily physical and functional functioning, the use
of drugs and the use of respite care or admission to a nursing home. Furthermore, we will
study the effects on distress and physical health in the caregiver and the cost-effectiveness
of the music intervention.
Study design: This study will be performed as a randomised controlled intervention trial.
Study population: Adult nursing home residents diagnosed with dementia.
Intervention: Nursing home residents with dementia randomised to one of the intervention groups will receive an individual listening music intervention or an individual music therapy intervention
3 times a week for minimal 30 minutes during 3 weeks.The control group will receive psychosocial standard care alone without music components.
Main study parameters/endpoints: The endpoint of the study is the difference from baseline to post-intervention and follow-up in reported scores of problem behaviour (NPI) and quality of life (Qualidem) in nursing home residents with dementia and distress scores (NPI) in care professionals. Secondary endpoints for nursing home residents with dementia are quality of life (Cantril's ladder), communication behaviour (CODEM) and well-being (Positive Response Scale, PRS).

We expect to find differences between the intervention groups and control group (in favour of the intervention groups) on behaviour, quality of life, well-being and communication behaviour scores in nursing home residents with dementia and distress scores in care professionals.

Baseline (T0)
Intermediate measurement after one week (T1)
Post intervention after 3 weeks (T2)
Follow-up after 6 weeks(T3).

Individual listening music & individual music therapy intervention