P4-195: Preferred music intervention decreases agitated behaviors of institutionalized elders with dementia

Abstract

Agitated behaviors are identified by caregivers as the most challenging care problems for older people with dementia. The increase in the number of people with agitated behaviors caused by dementia is likely to place tremendous burden on health care resources as our population ages. The high prevalence of dementia and consequences of agitated behaviors highlight the importance of seeking effective approaches for those diagnosed with dementia. One such approach is use of preferred music. There is considerable evidence about the efficacy of preferred music intervention when implemented by researchers in managing behavioral problems in those with dementia; however, limited information is available about its effectiveness in reducing agitated behaviors when implemented by nursing staff in long–term care facilities. This study was to evaluate the effectiveness of preferred music intervention by trained nursing staff in reducing agitated behaviors of older people with dementia in long–term care settings. A quasi–experimental pre–posttest design was employed. The preferred music intervention was implemented by trained nursing staff to an experimental group of 32 residents with dementia for 30 minutes in the mid afternoon, twice a week for six weeks. In the control group, twenty–five residents with dementia received the usual standard care without the music intervention. The Cohen–Mansfield Agitation Inventory was used to assess the occurrence of agitated behaviors at baseline and week 6. A statistically significant reduction in agitated behaviors was found in the experimental group following six weeks of music intervention compared to that of the control group (t=–6.075, p<0.001). Preferred music shows a promising alternative strategy for reducing agitated behaviors in those with dementia when implemented by trained nursing staff. Such intervention can be incorporated into the planning of activity programs and daily care routines to improve the quality of care provided by nursing staff and the quality of life of those with dementia in long–term care settings.