Abstract

The unique and specific interventions of music therapy are discussed from a clinical education and research perspective, drawing upon a variety of sources to demonstrate the current position on music and dementia in the UK and elsewhere. Worldwide, around 50 million people have dementia, and this is estimated to increase to 75.6 million in 2030, and 135.5 million in 2050. There is an increased demand for long-term care, in which effective management of symptoms is a major issue, and for communities to increase awareness and capacity to care for people at home in local settings. Current research in music therapy will be discussed and recent initiatives for embedding music and music therapy interventions throughout the dementia care pathway.

A variety of approaches including improvisation, singing, song writing, listening to music, adapted to community, group or individual needs will be presented, through audio and video examples and case discussion. The role of the music therapist in improving quality of life for people with dementia, their families and carers; including the potential for music therapy to improve well- being, reduce symptoms and change the environment, will be considered.