The Use of Music Performance Tasks in the Assessment of Cognitive Functioning among Older Adults with Dementia

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the usefulness of music task performance in the assessment of cognitive functioning among older adults with dementia. A secondary purpose was preliminary development of a protocol to be used in this type of assessment. Subjects in the study were 32 women aged 57–99 years who resided in a nursing home or attended an adult day care center. Data were collected by means of the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE), the Brief Cognitive Rating Scale (BCRS), the Severe Impairment Battery (SIB), and 19 specially designed music performance tasks which emphasized verbal, singing, and rhythm skills. Information on music training, experience, and attitude also was collected. Four research questions were formulated for the study which examined the relationships between training, experience and attitude about music and music task performance; relationships between cognitive and music task performance; differences between individuals with and without dementia with respect to music task performance, and dependability of music task performance items. Minimal relationships were found between music background variables and music task performance, however, strong relationships were found between cognitive and music task performance. Significant differences on music performance tasks between individuals with and without dementia emerged, and music performance tasks were found to be consistent and to have good discriminatory ability. Implications of these findings for the professional credibility of music therapy are discussed, as are recommendations for further development of the music performance protocol.