Music Therapy Interventions

By Phoebe A Stretton-Smith (MMusThrp), Zara Thompson (Phd), Felicity A Baker (PhD), The University of Melbourne

The benefits of music therapy for people living with dementia are increasingly becoming recognised. The specific approach involves the intentional and therapeutic use of music by a qualified music therapist to support health, functioning and wellbeing.

For people living with dementia, music therapy can improve mood, memory and cognition, reduce depression, anxiety and agitation, as well as support engagement and social connection.

Active methods involve singing, instrument playing, improvisation and songwriting. Other receptive methods include interventions such as guided music listening and discussion, and music-assisted relaxation. 

The music-based interventions can often alleviate changed behaviours associated with dementia through physiological, psychosocial and memory-linked mechanisms. Fostering engagement through reminiscence and shared experiences, music can help those living with dementia to recall personal memories and strengthen identity. The dual capacity of music to address physiological and social needs underscores its transformative role in dementia care. 

However, music therapy interventions should only be delivered by a registered music therapist (RMT) who holds expertise in both the beneficial and potentially harmful effects of music. In many cases, it can be difficult for those living with dementia to communicate discomfort, so proper training is especially critical given music’s strong connection to memory and emotion.

To understand more about how music therapy interventions can support wellbeing for those living with dementia, you can subscribe to The Australian Journal of Dementia Care.