title: Effects of viewing a preferred nature image and hearing preferred music on engagement, agitation, and mental status in persons with dementia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of the described exploratory study was to test proactive strategies for enhancing engagement and cognitive ability while diminishing dementia-related disordered behaviors of those diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Study participants resided in an Memory Care unit of an assisted living community.
  
  
  METHODS
  The researchers measured the effects of exposure to music and nature images on engagement using the Individualized Dementia Engagement and Activities Scale tool, on cognitive ability using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and on agitation using the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The within-subject study design revealed that use of both music and nature images hold promise for reducing undesirable behaviors and improving engagement of residents.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The authors suggest caregivers for those with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias can effectively use nature images and music to improve engagement and reduce disordered behaviors, thus potentially enhancing quality of life for the care recipient as well as the caregiver while possibly reducing the costs of medications used to control dementia-related undesirable behaviors.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA.
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Eggert
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA.
authors.forename: Cheryl J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Dye
authors.affiliation: Department of Horticulture, School of Agriculture, Forest, and Environmental Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA.
authors.forename: Ellen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Vincent
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA.
authors.forename: Veronica
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.affiliation: Department of Computer and Information Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Shaundra B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Daily
authors.affiliation: Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, Spartanburg, SC, USA.
authors.forename: Hiep
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Pham
authors.affiliation: White Oak Spartanburg, Spartanburg, SC, USA.
authors.forename: Alison Turner
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Watson
authors.affiliation: Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina, Easley, SC, USA.
authors.forename: Hollie
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Summey
authors.affiliation: Human-Centered Computing Division, School of Computing, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA.
authors.forename: Tania
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Roy
keywords: Geriatrics/gerontology; dementia; multisensory stimulation; nursing