Behaviors exhibited by Alzheimer's patients include anxiety, depression, agitation, and violence. These behaviors both individually and as a complex group create difficulties for caregivers. Where possible, therapies and management procedures other than pharmacological medications and physical restraint are desirable for use in moderating such behaviors in Alzheimer's patients. Music therapy, which has been used with some success in other patients, has been suggested as an intervention for Alzheimer's patients experiencing anxiety, depression, agitation, and violence. Assessing the feasibility of music therapy as an intervention for Alzheimer's patients is proposed as a research focus.
A total of 20 subjects diagnosed as suffering from Alzheimer's disease will be selected from among the population of Alzheimer's patients at a participating long-term care facility. The selection of subjects will be made through the application of random procedures. The selection of subjects will not be restricted on the basis of age, gender, education, or physical condition. The anticipation, however, is that most subjects will be over the age of 65 and that females and males will be equally represented in the sample.
Subjects will be observed in their normal settings prior to the conduct of the music therapy. During this observation, data relevant to the dependent variables will be collected and recorded.
Music therapy will be provided to patients on an individual basis. The music used will be classical music and the therapy will last for one-hour.
Subjects will be observed a second time in their normal settings subsequent to the completion of the music therapy. During this observation, data relevant to the dependent variables will be collected and recorded.
Three hypotheses will be tested to assess the effects of music therapy on the behavior of Alzheimer's patients. ANOVA procedures will be applied in the testing of the hypo...