Resources & references

A music therapy group for individual's with Parkinson's disease is hosted on a weekly basis at Drury University. A music therapist and participants share how the sessions improve neurorehabilitation and symptom management through drumming, instrument playing, and singing.  The text includes an audio excerpt embedded in the article.

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.

The brain often seems to hold on to its ability to understand musical communication long after other skills are lost to dementia. This video features a certified music therapist and an older adult with Alzheimer’s disease singing a familiar song, showing how music enhances self-expression, interpersonal interaction, and musical communication through vocal improvisation and singing familiar songs. 

Click here to learn more about the benefits of music therapy for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

This fact sheet explains the benefits of music therapy for older adults with memory disorders including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. It also describes the clinical processes and neurological impact of music therapy, and the importance of working with a professional music therapist. 

See an example of a music therapy session in action

The primary purpose of this handbook is to educate music therapists and healthcare professionals about the uses and evidence-based benefits of music therapy practices with older adults including those in hospice care, health and wellness programs, intergenerational programs, and those living with Alzheimer’s disease, 

This  systematic review examines existing scientific literature on the effects of music therapy on individuals living with Parkinson's disease. Results display a great diversity of evidence, confirming positive effects on in motor, communication, emotional, and cognitive skills.

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. 

Mental health dementia wards in the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom provide specialist care for people with dementia experiencing acute levels of distress. This study tested the feasibility of delivering a standardised music therapy protocol on these wards and the suitability of the research methods.

Researchers at the University of Limerick discuss their respective studies in music therapy and arts-based research among older adults with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Presentations include testimonials and music performances used in arts-based research.

The objectives of the study were: i) to describe the characteristics and effectiveness of music therapy interventions which aim to improve health-related outcomes for adult informal carers of adults with life-threatening illness, and ii) to describe the experience of music therapy for adult informal carers of adults with life-threatening illness. Conclusion: qualitative studies provide moderate to strong evidence for improved health-related outcomes for adult informal carers of adults with life-threatening illness pre-bereavement. 

Symphony musicians, a music therapist, and a speech language pathologist work together with dementia patients to facilitate a therapeutic experience that enhances long term memories, reminiscence, and quality of life.

Watch as music therapist Kelsey MacDonald provides music therapy sessions to a patient with dementia at Aberdeen Hospital and listen to testimonials from the patient's daughter and the director of the palliative care unit.