The effects of group music with movement intervention on agitated behaviours of institutionalized elders with dementia in Taiwan

BACKGROUND: Agitated behaviours are identified by caregivers as the most challenging in dementia care. Alternative approaches reducing occurrence of agitated behaviours and the need for chemical or physical restraints become valuable for institutionalized elders with dementia. OBJECTIVE AND SETTING: This study was to evaluate the effects of group music with movement intervention on occurrence of agitated behaviours of institutionalized elders with dementia in Taiwan. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was used. Thirty-six institutionalized elders with dementia completed the study, with 18 in the experimental group receiving group music with movement intervention twice a week for 4 weeks and 18 in the control group receiving usual care without intervention. Modified Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory was used to assess agitated behaviours at baseline, weeks 2 and 4. RESULTS: Agitated behaviours were significantly reduced in the experimental group following 4 weeks of group music with movement intervention compared to that of the control group (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Group music with movement intervention can be beneficial in managing agitated behaviours of those with dementia and should be incorporated into care routines in residential facilities.