Effectiveness of the Music Therapy in Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Introduction: Studies have comprehensively examined key variables in music therapy (MT) interventions such as exposure time, session length, and frequency, particularly in relation to patients with dementia. This study investigated the effects of MT on cognitive function, depression, anxiety, behavior, and quality of life in individuals with dementia.

Methods: Relevant articles published before April 23, 2023, were sourced from five databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effects of MT and standard care on the cognitive function, depression levels, anxiety levels, behaviors, and quality of life of individuals with dementia were included. The Reviewers independently extracted data and assessed the studies' methodological quality. Heterogeneity was quantified using Q statistics from χ2 tests and I2 statistics. Outcome analysis was conducted using a random-effects model, and the standardized mean difference, mean difference, and 95% confidence interval were calculated.

Results: A total of 24 RCTs were included. Compared with the control group, patients who received MT had higher cognitive function, lower levels of depression, and lower levels of anxiety. Meta-regression analysis revealed that the total MT period, total number of MT sessions, weekly MT frequency, MT exposure time, and length of each MT session were associated with an improvement in cognitive function. However, no significant difference was observed in behaviors or quality of life.

Conclusions: MT yielded improved cognitive function in individuals with dementia if the intervention spans at least 12 weeks, has at least 16 sessions, and has at least 8 h of therapy.

Keywords: Cognitive function; Dementia; Depression; Meta-analysis; Music therapy.