In the moment with music: an exploration of the embodied and sensory experiences of people living with dementia during improvised music-making

Robyn Dowlen,Bob Riley,Christine Milligan,Caroline Swarbrick,Lucy Geddes,John Keady,Nick Ponsillo

doi:10.1017/s0144686x21000210

Abstract

AbstractThe term ‘in the moment’ has received growing interest in the context of music programmes for people living with dementia, with music therapists, family carers, health-care professionals and people living with dementia themselves reporting the value of framing musical experiences in the ‘here and now’. Although this term is being used more frequently within the literature, there has yet to be a formal examination of such ‘in the moment’ musical experiences and how they might benefit a person living with dementia. We used a multiple-case study approach to develop a thematic framework of ‘in the moment’ musical experiences within the context of a music-making programme for people living with dementia. The research followed six people living with dementia and four family carers, and used video-observation and video-elicitation interviews to capture and analyse ‘in the moment’ experiences. Four thematic observations were developed which captured ‘in the moment’ musical experiences: Sharing a life story through music, Musical agency ‘in the moment’, Feeling connected ‘in the moment’ and Musical ripples into everyday life. These findings showcase the creativity and musical abilities of people living with dementia whilst affirming music as a medium to connect people living with dementia with their own life story, other people and the environments in which music-making takes place.

Highlights

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of music, and the arts more generally, with people living with dementia
The sensory analysis led to the development of four thematic observations which highlighted elements of ‘in the moment’ experience observed across all people living with dementia: Sharing a life story through music, Musical agency ‘in the moment’, Feeling connected ‘in the moment’ and Musical ripples into everyday life
This study sought to gain an in-depth understanding of the ‘in the moment’ embodied and sensory experiences of people living with dementia engaging in a participatory music-making programme (Music in Mind)

Summary

Introduction

There has been a growing interest in the use of music, and the arts more generally, with people living with dementia A wide range of music programmes have been reported in the literature, including music therapy delivered by qualified music therapists, choirs and singing groups, personalised playlists, as well as composition and musical performances (Camic et al, 2013; McCabe et al, 2015; Unadkat et al, 2017; McDermott et al, 2018). Such programmes have been shown to improve symptoms of depression, strengthen relationships between couples and provide opportunities for people living with dementia to learn new skills (Camic et al, 2013; McDermott et al, 2014; Unadkat et al, 2017; van der Steen et al, 2018). Qualitative literature paints a slightly broader picture with studies reporting on how music can create meaningful connections between the person living with dementia and others, and strengthen a person’s sense of self-identity while being immersed ‘in the moment’ (McDermott et al, 2013; Dowlen et al, 2018)

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