A Proposal to use Music as a Therapeutic Tool for Reducing Anxiety in Patients with Dementia in a Ward Setting.
Citation
(2015) A Proposal to use Music as a Therapeutic Tool for Reducing
Anxiety in Patients with Dementia in a Ward Setting., no. 66.
Abstract
Introduction- By the year 2025, it is believed that the number of people who are suffering from
dementia will be at approximately 1,000,000. In a modern NHS where we are constantly
endeavouring to improve the environment for our dementia patients, music should be
considered part of that environment.
Literature Review- Music has been shown to have a positive effect on the anxiety levels of
patients suffering from dementia. Music has also been shown to improve dementia sufferers'
memory and improve their quality of life. Music can be used as a tool by staff to aid in building
a rapport with their patients.
Methodology- To successfully deploy this project onto a ward, an inclusive and practice
development approach will be required. Issues of ethics and data protection have been
considered. The intervention will consist of use of a new document that is based upon the
'Getting to know me' document, which is currently in use in the NHS, to establish the patient's
taste in music. From there the music intervention will be applied to reduce anxiety levels in the
patient. Two audits are required to ensure best practice.
Conclusion- With no cure for dementia on the immediate horizon, it is essential for the health
service to radically review how it will manage this situation. This proposed intervention, could
be one of the methods employed to ameliorate the experience of dementia patients and those
who care for them.