Music therapy in senile dementia —A quantitative analysis of EEG changes—

Abstract

Eight patients with senile dementia were urged to take their places at table while they were exposed to the music A (Fine Kleine Nachtmusik by Mozart) before lunch. This procedure was done for 3 months. Then two series of experiments were carried out. In the first series the EEGs during listening to the music A were compared with those at rest. In the second series the EEGs during listening to the music B (Zigeunerweisen by Sarasate) were compared with those at rest. The EEGs were recorded in a laboratory room and analyzed by the FFT method. A significant decrease in theta wave in the right hemisphere was found (p<0.05) during listening to music A more than at rest. On the other hand a significant increase in the theta wave in the occipital region was found (p<0.05) during listening to the music B more than at rest. © 1989, Japanese Society of National Medical Services. All rights reserved.