Effect of Individualized Music Listening on Anxiety and Behaviors of People With Dementia: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of individualized music listening (IML) on anxiety levels and behaviors among older adults with dementia in Taiwan. Method: The current study was a quasi-experimental study. Thirty-two older adults were recruited through convenience sampling and assigned to either an experimental group (EG; n = 16) or control group (CG; n = 16) based on self-rated importance of music in their lives and personal preferences. Participants were selected from five Dementia Community Services Sites (DCSS). The EG received eight sessions of IML (20 minutes per session, twice per week for 4 weeks), whereas the CG engaged in their usual activities. Anxiety levels were assessed for both groups at baseline and after the intervention. The researcher observed behaviors before, during, and after the intervention, which compared IML with routine activities, using the Behavioral Observation Form. Results: Participants in the EG exhibited a significantly lower mean anxiety score compared to the CG after 4 weeks of IML. In addition, behaviors such as smiling, joyfulness, appearing relaxed, calmness, music recognition, singing, following the rhythm, and making eye contact were significantly more frequent in the EG than in the CG. Conclusion: IML can significantly reduce anxiety levels and enhance positive behaviors associated with mood, relaxation, connection to music, and social engagement in people with dementia. Care workers in community settings, such as those involving DCSS, may adopt this study's protocol to provide IML to people with dementia who enjoy music.