Music and Physical Activity in Persons With Dementia

Overview

Fronto lobe dementia constitutes 10-20 % of dementia conditions within younger persons (\>65). People with neuronal degeneration in frontal and temporal lobes demonstrate a decline in social conduct, apathy, loss of insight that is gradual and progressive. Family members often experience guilt and shame because of the patients' behavior before institutionalization, and different behavioral disorders will cause great challenges to family caregivers and to staff after institutionalization. Preservation of dignity, both in regards to the person being affected, and their relatives, therefore seem highly relevant both before and after institutionalization.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a combined intervention of physical activity and music therapy could reduce restlessness, irritability, and aggression among institutionalized people with severe dementia. An exploratory design was used to evaluate a combined intervention of physical activity, music therapy, and in- or outdoors walking daily, systematically implemented for eight weeks for persons with severe dementia in institutional care.

Conditions

Interventions