Resources & references

Music therapy is often used to improve well-being. A new study hints that for people with dementia, listening to music can induce lingering emotions even if they don't remember listening.

This study aimed to investigate clinical effectiveness of a structured eight-week mindfulness-based music therapy (MBMT) program on improving mood regulation in older women with blindness. 

In this video produced by Shaw TV, Jennifer Buchanan of JB Music Therapy demonstrates the effectiveness and impact of music therapy on a 97 year old war veteran who has cognitive impairments due to dementia.

People with advanced dementia are at increased risk of institutionalization and experiencing distress. This study uses existing research to demonstrate that music therapy can effectively help reduce agitation and improve well-being within interpersonal contexts in long-term care.

Agitation in nursing home residents with dementia leads to a decrease in quality of life and an increase in psychotropic medication, patient distress, and caregiver burnout. This study shows that after six weeks, music therapy reduced agitation disruptiveness and prevented medication increases for persons with moderate to severe dementia.

An intervention guide for music therapists and recreation/activity staff in retirement and long-term care homes, offering intergenerational music therapy experiences that support the health and well-being of both younger and older participants.

Click here to watch a video of this program.

The Jamboree is an intergenerational music therapy program where children and their accompanying adults join residents in retirement or long term care homes for weekly group sessions of singing, movement, instrument play, and guided social interaction led by a certified music therapist.

Click here to read the intervention guide of this program.

Two music therapists use music therapy to help older adults living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. They show how singing, instrument playing, and other music therapy techniques can enhance physical movement, cognitive stimulation, and relaxation.

Read how music therapy has helped an older adult living with Alzheimer’s disease, with benefits that extend into his home care. Learn what music therapy is and how caregivers can use music at home to support their loved ones (includes a video, 4:15).

Depression, agitation, and wandering are common behaviors associated with dementia and frequently observed among nursing home residents. The results of this study suggest widespread use of music therapy in long-term care settings may be effective in reducing symptoms of depression and agitation.

Leticia Prieto Alvarez, a music therapist at Hebrew Senior Life, explains the benefits of music therapy for older adults and provides examples of active music therapy experiences in group and individual settings. 

Watch a video demonstrating some of the uses of music therapy at the Montreal Chinese Hospital. Music therapist Josephine Lee sings in both Cantonese and Mandarin. Interviews are also featured in French, English and Mandarin about both the music therapy services and the Montreal Chinese Hospital Foundation in general.