The effect of Baroque music on behavioural disturbances in patients with dementia

Abstract

Aim: To study the effect of Baroque music in people with dementia. Methods: Patients in a multicultural dementia-specific aged care facility were subjected to Baroque music in a cross-over study. Results: There were significantly more behavioural disturbances during the weeks when Baroque music was played compared to control periods (0.2 more episodes per week, P= 0.01), and more episodes in the afternoon shift compared to evening shift (1 more episode per week, P= 0.001). Conclusion: These results confirm that music can influence behaviour but is contrary to previous results. © 2010 The Authors. Australasian Journal on Ageing © 2010 ACOTA.