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2022 Pilot Awards for Global Brain Health Leaders (GBHI)

Understanding the potential of Clinical-Creative partnerships to improve Dementia Care

Can music programs improve quality of life for individuals with dementia? 

Grainne Hope, M.A.
St. James Hospital
Dublin, Ireland



Background

Individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementia may experience mood and behavioral changes including depression, stress, anxiety, and loneliness. Community programs are a new approach to reducing these mental health challenges and improve quality of life for those living with dementia as well as their caregivers. Studies have shown that musical activities are a socially engaging and cost-effective way of improving mood symptoms and promoting brain health for individuals with dementia. However, bridging the gap between musical programs and dementia care remains challenging.

Research Plan

Gráinne Hope and colleagues will evaluate the quality-of-life benefits of music in dementia care and explore partnership opportunities to implement musical programs in healthcare settings. The researchers will do this by bringing together over 40 key stakeholders in music, healthcare, and dementia care to create partnerships for music programs for individuals with dementia through roundtable discussions. Next, the team will develop guidelines for best practices for partners between music and dementia care and foster a network of key stakeholders to advocate for future music programs for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. 

Impact

If successful, this project will bring together musicians, healthcare professionals, and researchers and will lay the groundwork for implementing music programs in quality-of-life care for individuals with dementia.

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