Date

Fall 2022

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Department

College of Nursing

First Advisor

Kimberly Taylor

Abstract

Problem Statement: As dementia progresses, a person can experience behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), such as agitation. There are numerous ways agitation can affect people with dementia (PWD), caregivers, and society, causing a negative impact on quality of life, stress, caregiver burnout, and economic stability for society (Lorusso & Bosch, 2018; Maseda et al., 2018; Travers et al., 2016). There were no formal protocols in place at a local Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) center to address agitation in participants related to dementia. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to determine if participating in a consistent bi-weekly music experience session program would decrease levels of agitation for PACE participants experiencing agitation related to dementia. Methods: Bi-weekly music experience sessions for an eight-week time frame were facilitated by the student with PACE participants with a known history of dementia. There were no restrictions on the participant’s age, sex, or ethnicity. Analysis: Before the first music experience session, an initial fourteen item Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI) short form was completed by a dedicated certified nursing assistant (CNA). Subsequent CMAIs were completed four weeks from initiation of the music experience sessions, and after the last music experience session. Implications for Practice: Implementing scheduled music experience sessions may prevent or reduce episodes of agitation and improve quality of life.

Available for download on Sunday, December 31, 2023

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