Effects of Preferred Recorded Music and Preferred Live Music Provided as Procedural Support on Problem and Positive Behaviors of Individuals with Dementia during Assisted Bathing

The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the effect of preferred recorded music versus preferred live music provided as procedural support by a music therapist on reducing problem behaviors and increasing positive behaviors exhibited by persons with dementia during bathing procedures. Carrying out bathing procedures with persons who have dementia has been identified as one of the most challenging tasks faced by caregivers. Persons with dementia often exhibit aggressive and hostile behaviors when engaged in bathing procedures with their caregivers. Because of the lack of previous research designed to address these problem behaviors, and the personal nature of bathing procedures, an experimental probe was carried out with five individuals in the later stages of dementia living in a nursing facility. The designated caregivers of these five individuals volunteered their loved ones to serve as participants in this pilot study. Participants were observed for a total of three showers: one with no music, one with recorded preferred music, and one with music therapy with live preferred music. During the three showers, the music therapist and the staff member administering the bath observed the durations of both problem and positive behaviors. Results were mixed among the five participants; though preferred live music was generally more effective than recorded preferred music or no music in reducing problem behaviors and increasing positive behaviors.