A Proposal to use Music as a Therapeutic Tool for Reducing Anxiety in Patients with Dementia in a Ward Setting.

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.