Music-based therapeutic interventions help depression in dementia

Providing people with dementia with at least 5 sessions of a music-based therapeutic intervention reduced depressive symptoms but had little or no effect on agitation or aggression. There was also little or no effect on emotional wellbeing or quality of life, overall behavioural problems and cognition. There was uncertainty about effects on anxiety or social behaviour, and about any long-term effects. It was not clear whether effects would persist beyond the intervention period and music-based interventions may need to be continued for prolonged periods for a sustained effect. All the participants were living in care homes, and all severities of dementia were included.