Einflüsse von aktiver und rezeptiver Musiktherapie auf Kognition, Verhalten, Schlaf und allgemeine Befindlichkeit von Demenzpatienten-eine Pilotstudie

Background: In this pilot study, the influence of active and receptive music therapy on elderly probands with dementia (n = 3; Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE): 15/16/20 of 30) was examined. Subjects and Methods: Both forms of therapy should be evaluated for their effectiveness as well as for similarities and differences. Possible effects of music therapy on cognition and behaviour were of interest. Also, instruments for measuring heart rate variability (HRV) and sleeping clocks (Actiwatch) for measuring quality of sleep were used and tested for their subsequent use in major studies. In the course of receptive music therapy, a prototype of a music player (adapted to the needs of elderly people) was used, which has already been improved and is currently being used in an ongoing study. Each participant underwent 1 week of control measurements (baseline) without music therapy, 2 weeks of active music therapy, 1 week without intervention (control), 2 weeks of receptive music therapy, and a final control week. During the whole period (7 weeks), sleep quality data were collected, and additionally, HRV was measured 3 times per week. At certain points, degrees of dementia as well as changes of mood and behaviour were determined by using questionnaires (MMSE and Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI)). Results: The MMSE value improved in all 3 subjects, with the highest results after active music therapy. The NPI resulted by trend in improvements during and after active music therapy; no consistent trends were shown during receptive music therapy. Regarding HRV, active music therapy led to activation and vitalization (increased HRV), whereas receptive music therapy showed no consistent effect. The quality of sleep was negatively affected during the weeks of receptive music therapy, yet increased during active music therapy and the control phases. © 2011 S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg.