Cognitive and behavioural effects of music-based exercises in patients with dementia.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of a musical exercise programme on mood state and cognitive function in women with dementia.


METHODS
Randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
Public Psychiatric Hospital Rekem, Belgium.


METHODS
Twenty-five patients with dementia.


METHODS
Fifteen patients attended exercise training for three months, which consisted of daily physical exercises supported by music for 30 min/session. They were compared with a group of 10 control patients, who received an equal amount of attention through daily conversation.


METHODS
The effect on cognition was measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Amsterdam Dementia Screening Test 6 (ADS 6). Behaviour was evaluated with the abbreviated Stockton Geriatric Rating Scale (BOP scale). The assessments were made before, after six weeks of intervention and immediately after the three-month experimental period.


RESULTS
The exercise group showed a significant improvement in cognition. This was documented by an increased MMSE mean score of 12.87-15.53, and by a higher median score, rising from 10 to 14 points, on the subset 'fluency' (ADS 6 test). The control group showed no significant improvement, either on the MMSE (mean score of 10.80-11.00) or on the fluency subtest of the ADS 6 (median scores were 6.5-7 points). The effects on behavioural changes were not significant.


CONCLUSIONS
The present study suggests a beneficial effect of cognition using a music-based exercise programme in a group of patients with moderate to severe dementia. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Van de Winckel
Ann
A
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. ann.vandewinckel@flok.kuleuven.ac.be
Feys
Hilde
H
De Weerdt
Willy
W
Dom
René
R
D000339:Affect; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003704:Dementia / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D009147:Music Therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome