Meeting the Complex Needs of Individuals With Dementia Through Music Therapy

Abstract

Since its founding in 1995, the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF) has been committed to the study of music therapy for people with neurologic impairments, especially for those with Alzheimer disease and other dementias. Our more than 30 years of research has reaped some unique findings. This article will describe the research projects and their implications in a narrative review with the focus on method, music intervention, and outcomes. It is hoped that the work of researchers and clinical practice communities will benefit from the synthesis of our findings and that the investigations and practices for our aging population will continue to expand.