Music Therapy and Physical Activity to Ease Anxiety, Restlessness, Irritability, and Aggression in Individuals With Dementia With Signs of Frontotemporal Lobe Degeneration

J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv. 2019 May 1;57(5):29-37. doi: 10.3928/02793695-20190124-02. Epub 2019 Feb 12.

Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate whether a combined intervention of physical activity and music therapy could reduce anxiety, restlessness, irritability, and aggression among individuals with severe dementia. An exploratory design was used to evaluate a combined intervention of physical activity, music therapy, and daily walking. Interventions were systematically implemented for 8 weeks. Target groups were individuals with dementia with frontal lobe symptoms in institutional care. Primary outcome measure was the Brøset Violence Checklist (BVC). Four men and two women (mean age = 84.3 years) and their primary caretakers (n = 6) participated. The most prominent symptoms among participants at baseline were confusion, irritability, and verbal threats. The individual BVC total scores indicated significant improvements (p = 0.03). Implementation of individualized music therapy combined with increased physical activity for 8 weeks was a feasible intervention that reduced anxiety, restlessness, irritability, and aggression in the current study. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 57(5), 29-37.].

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aggression / physiology*
  • Anxiety / psychology*
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Female
  • Frontotemporal Dementia / psychology
  • Frontotemporal Dementia / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Irritable Mood / physiology*
  • Male
  • Music Therapy*
  • Psychiatric Nursing