Music Therapy as a Supportive Approach for Dementia Patients in Hospital Settings

Recent research conducted by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in collaboration with Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust has explored innovative methods to improve care for individuals with dementia experiencing severe distress in hospital wards. The study focused on a music therapy program called MELODIC, which involves embedding trained music therapists into NHS dementia wards to deliver personalized musical interventions.

Music therapy, in this context, includes activities such as singing, playing instruments, or listening to music tailored to each patient's needs. The goal is not only to enhance the patients' emotional well-being but also to guide families and caregivers in integrating music into daily routines for ongoing support.

The pilot study aimed to identify effective alternatives to medication for managing distress. The results indicated a modest improvement in patients' quality of life and a reduction in the severity of distress symptoms and disruptive behaviors. Importantly, no adverse events or negative incidents related to music therapy were reported, highlighting its safety and feasibility.

The intervention was developed through consultations with healthcare professionals, patients, and their families, ensuring it is both practical and responsive to the complex needs of dementia patients. This approach is cost-effective, with an estimated monthly cost of around £2,025 for the therapist and a one-time equipment investment of approximately £400.

Lead researcher Naomi Thompson emphasized that high levels of distress are common among dementia patients in inpatient settings and that staff often struggle to manage these symptoms compassionately. She stated that MELODIC provides a promising, low-cost, scalable alternative to conventional approaches like psychotropic drugs.

Dr. Ben Underwood from CPFT highlighted the potential of this therapy to improve experiences for both patients and staff, enabling more compassionate and effective care. The study underscores the importance of integrating music therapy into dementia care pathways and calls for future research to further validate these findings.

This innovative project demonstrates how music therapy can serve as a safe, economical, and human-centered method to better manage mental health and behavioral challenges in dementia inpatient settings.