Resources & references

The aim of this study is to test the feasibility and acceptability of an online mode of delivery for a Parkinson’s singing intervention (ParkinSong) as well as remote data collection procedures. This mode of delivery aims to increase the accessibility of singing interventions.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of Remini-Sing RCT, community-based therapeutic choirs led by music therapists and offered to individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Preliminary results  showed a decrease in anxiety and depression. Considering the limited number of participants, the article also addresses the issue of  recruitment and retention of participants, to help future research and improve sustainability of such programs.

Join certified music therapist Amy Standridge as she conducts a music therapy group session with older adults living with dementia, and their care partners.

Learn more about the benefits of music therapy for individuals with dementia/Alzheimer's disease.

This paper presents a three-way collaboration between a registered music therapist, art therapist and Aboriginal Elder, healer, and artist in Australia. Participants created a yarning project along with music that complemented their artwork, to support social and emotional wellbeing of First Nation Elders living with dementia. 

Watch a documentary featuring music therapist Hilary Camino as she provides music therapy to older adults at Sage Living. It includes interviews, testimonials, and music therapy sessions about the benefits of music therapy for this population. Note: this video is available with closed captioning and a transcript. 

 Since late 2013, music therapist Tom Curry has provided individual and group based music therapy services at St. Martha's Regional in Antigonish, arranged through the Arts Health Antigonish (AHA!) community collaboration.

This document describes how music therapy can benefit elderly and their caregivers. It explains what music therapy is, its affordability and accessibility in Australia, and how it can improve the quality of life among adults with dementia, anxiety, depression, and neurodegenerative diseases.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of caregiver-implemented music applications on engagement with their care receivers. Music therapy applications are effective in increasing mutual engagement in couples with dementia, and caregivers can effectively facilitate the engagement using music. Furthermore, once the engagement is established, it carries over into visitation without music.

The aims of this study were to determine the effectiveness of group music therapy for improving depression and delaying the deterioration of cognitive functions in elderly persons with dementia. The group music intervention is a noninvasive and inexpensive therapy that appeared to reduce elders’ depression.

Written by experienced American music therapists, this book explores how music therapy can enhance the quality of life for older adults, including those with physical impairments, Parkinson’s, stroke, or dementia. It also offers strategies for caregivers to use music in supporting physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being.

Music therapist Concetta Tomaino explains how she uses music therapy to help older adults living with dementia to enhance cognitive stimulation, emotional support, physical abilities, and overall wellness.

Click here to read the related article.

Watch the 6th episode of a documentary series hosted by Gregory Charles about the therapeutic effect of choir singing and music among adults living with Alzheimer's disease, an episode that includes the participation of the National Music Therapy Institute. Two sequences (at 4:05 and 11:30) feature an exploratory group music therapy session with dyads composed of 4 choir members and their caregivers, as well as interviews with Suzanne Caron, President, and Tanya Lavoie, music therapist.

Note: This video is available with closed captioning and a transcript.