The Effect of Group Musical Therapy on Depression and Activities on Daily Living in Patients with Cognitive Decline

Abstract

Background: Beside pharmacological treatment, non-pharmacological interventions are a great deal of interest resides on ways that allow modulation of brain plasticity in the elderly. Music therapy is a potential non-pharmacological treatment for the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, but a few studies reported it to be helpful. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of structured musical intervention therapy in patient with cognitive decline.

Methods: The subjects of the study were a total of fifty elderly with cognitive decline (K-MMSE: 21±3.99, CDR: 0.80±0.38). The musical therapy was applied to the group twice a week, fifty minutes per session for eight weeks. The data were analyzed by using chi-square and paired t-test before and after musical intervention.

Results: The study showed a significant reduction in depression and anxiety after musical therapy measured with short form-GDS and BDI (p<0.001). Activities daily living (ADL) markedly improved after the all session of musical interventions (p<0.001).

Conclusions: Group music therapy is a safe and effective method for treating depression and anxiety, and also improving ADL in patients with cognitive decline.