Ten Reasons Why Neurologists Should Refer Patients With Alzheimer Dementia to Music Therapy

Background Alzheimer dementia (AD) constitutes a major societal problem with devastating neuropsychiatric involvement. Pharmaceutical interventions carry a heightened risk of side effects; thus, nonpharmacological interventions such as music-based interventions (MBIs), including music therapy, are recommended. Recent Findings The 2023 Neurology release of the Music Based Intervention Toolkit for Brain Disorders of Aging showcased music’s emerging role as an intervention to manage symptoms of various brain disorders while defining the building blocks of MBIs to guide research in the exploration of music’s therapeutic potential. Implications for Practice This study extends beyond the research aspects of the MBI Toolkit to clinical applications by providing neurologists with a summary of MBIs, the MBI Toolkit, how board-certified music therapists (MT-BCs) administered music therapy is a unique MBI, and 10 reasons why they should make referrals to music therapy for their patients with AD. Introduction Individuals living with Alzheimer dementia (AD) can experience a wide range of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSs), accelerated cognitive decline, and loss of independence.¹ Nonpharmacological interventions such as music-based interventions (MBIs), including music therapy (MT), are advocated as the initial treatment approach.^1,2 MBIs refer to therapeutic approaches and practices that use music as a primary tool/medium to achieve specific therapeutic goals or outcomes. MBIs can involve listening to music, playing musical instruments, singing, and composing.³ MT and music medicine are 2 frequently used MBIs. Music medicine aims to relax the patient and typically consists of recorded music chosen by a medical professional.^3,4 MT is distinct from other MBIs as board-certified music therapists (MT-BCs) use music as a medium to address nonmusical clinical objectives. On the basis of the MT assessment that includes the patient’s values, identities, preferences, and motivations for treatment, MT-BCs use the patient’s preferred music and present it in an engaging and accessible manner.⁵ The MT treatment plan is formulated collaboratively by the patient, MT-BC, and the multidisciplinary treatment team.