Effects of Group Music Therapy Interventions on Alzheimer's Disease Patients: a Three-arm Randomized Controlled Blind Study.

Effects of Group Music Therapy Interventions on Alzheimer's Disease Patients: a Three-arm Randomized Controlled Blind Study.

The purpose of this study is to determine what type of music therapy (active versus passive) approach has higher effects on clinical symptoms in advanced Alzheimer's disease patients

Ninety AD patients from six nursing homes participated in the study. Nursing homes were randomly and blindly assigned to receive for three months either active music intervention, passive music listening or usual care. Effects on cognition, behaviour, daily living activities and motor function were assessed after the intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Nursing-home dwelling
• Diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease
• Mild or moderate stage (Clinical Classification of the Dementia)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Aphasia
• Hearing impairment that may affect participation in the activities.