The following article assesses the quantitative data conducted through multiple studies and research experiments that determine the relation between implemented music therapy and the wellbeing of patients with dementia in Italy. First cases of musical therapy administration in treatment for dementia in Italy appeared in the 1980s (Baroni, 2017). It was strictly isolated from other interaction with music, and was a separate practice from musical listening or entertainment that was already used prior. Early studies focused on examining the effects of music therapy on behavioral disorders, psychological states, cognitive functions, competence in social and rational matters, depression, and overall wellness of elderly patients with dementia.
Though many of the studies emphasized qualitative or integrated data collection, a study of 2009 concentrated on more quantitative results. An elderly home performed a randomized, controlled trial with 51 elderly patients that had dementia and collected numerical data focusing on cognitive, behavioral, and psychological factors, with certain groups being exposed to music therapy. More recently, a series of studies in 2017 led by Enrico Ceccato and Alfredo Raglio were compiled in a massive systematic review and meta-analysis process. Majority of the studies are carried out with a multinational span and cluster-randomized trials, such as the Music Interventions for Dementia and Depression in Elderly care testing (Baroni, 2017). Ongoing and approved studies continue to add to the database for clearer, substantial, and accurate results. The current analysis of the collected data points to strong evidence of the positive effects of music therapy inclusion as supplementary in relation to dementia care. The study encourages facilities to consider future implementation of positive-outcome therapies, especially in the case of dementia patients that may be in need of end-of-life care.
Reference
Baroni, M. (2017). Music therapy in dementia and end-of-life care: A report from Italy. Approaches: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Music Therapy, 1-13. Web.