Individualized Music Playlist Based on ISO Principle for De-escalation of Agitation in Dementia

The Effects of an Individualized Music Playlist Based on the ISOPrinciple for the Immediate De-escalation of Agitation in People With Dementia: a Randomized Controlled Trial

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy of an Individualized Music Playlist (InMP) composed of preferred music genres sequenced according to the ISO-Principle, for the immediate de-escalation of agitation in dementia, compared with preferred music (PM) and treatment as usual (TAU).

1. Study design

   - Randomized controlled trial

2. Participants

   - Eighty-one older adults living with dementia and demonstrate significant agitation

3. Setting:

   - Residential care home

4. Intervention

   - Individualized music listening intervention played with an iPad and a wireless neckband speaker for 30 minutes when agitation begins in addition to usual care.

5. Comparison conditions

   • Preferred music listening group: Preferred music listening played with an iPad and a wireless neckband speaker for 30 minutes when agitation begins in addition to usual care.
   • Usual care group: usual care

6. Outcomes

   • Level of agitation measured with the Pittsburgh Agitation Scale
   • Intensity of agitation measured with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale - Excited Component
   • Agitation occurrence frequency measured with Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory
   • Distress of formal caregivers related to agitation measured with Neuropsychiatric Inventory

7. Focus group interviews with the care staff will be conducted as a process evaluation for identifying the potential facilitators and barriers related to implementation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• residents in long-term care facilities
• diagnosed with any type of dementia
• presented with significant agitation

Exclusion Criteria:

• had been admitted to the facility for less than three months
• are participating in other studies or experimental therapies
• have a comorbid psychiatric illness
• have physical illness that prevents them from listening to music