A recent Cochrane review evaluated the effects of music-based therapeutic interventions on individuals with dementia. Analysing data from 30 studies involving 1,720 participants, the review found that, compared to usual care, music-based interventions probably lead to slight improvements in depressive symptoms and may reduce overall behavioural problems. However, evidence regarding benefits for agitation, emotional well-being, cognition, and long-term effects remains limited or uncertain.
These findings suggest that while music therapy can offer some benefits for people with dementia, further high-quality research is needed to fully understand its impact.
Read the full review: Cochrane Library – Music-Based Therapeutic Interventions for People with Dementia