Music therapy & music based interventions in the context of dementia: Recommendations for clinical guidelines - Part II

Abstract

The therapeutic benefits of music are well recognized in care for the elderly and especially for people with dementia (PWD). Currently, music-based programs occur at different levels and by a variety of professionals. The challenge is to ensure that music is provided in a positive and beneficial way. There is a need for clinical practice guidelines, based on research outcomes in order to guarantee reliable music therapy and music-based intervention procedures for people with dementia (PWD) so that these interventions are properly implemented by professional music therapists, other health allied professionals as well as caregivers. This paper reflects on this need in order to guarantee successful best practices in the use of music with PWD.