Music Therapy and Reading as Intervention Strategies for Disruptive Behavior in Dementia

The disruptive behavior of two agitated nursing home residents, one who suffered a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and one with Alzheimer's Disease (AD), was observed for two weeks. Eight to 10 personalized 10-minute interventions consisting of reading/book exploration or music therapy were presented during the following two weeks. Changes were measured during and immediately after intervention and during the following week. The interventions were then switched, so that each participant received both interventions. Both participants were observed during and immediately after the second intervention and during the following week. Both music and reading interventions were effective for the AD participant, while the CVA participant improved after reading but became worse during and after the music intervention. The reading intervention was then repeated with the CVA participant, after which his agitation improved. These findings stress the need for individualized planning and allowance for daily participant changes when using behavioral interventions.