MUSIC THERAPY, MARITAL RELATIONSHIP, AND ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE: MULTIPLE CASE STUDY
Abstract
When the primary caregiver of an older person with Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a spouse, that person may bear a significant burden that affects the quality of the marital relationship. This study aimed to examine the effects of home-based music therapy on the well-being and relationship dynamics of couples consisting of a person with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. For the couple to participate in the study, one of the spouses had to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, before and after each session. Twelve weekly music therapy sessions of 60 minutes each were offered. The contents of the interviews were interpreted using Bardin's content analysis. The interventions provided pleasurable moments, with benefits mainly for the caregivers. The reports indicated that the interventions provided the caregivers with tools to better manage the behavioral symptoms of dementia, with positive effects on the quality of the marital relationship. It is expected to contribute to the possibilities of care through an innovative approach, with guidelines for a more integrative application of music therapy strategies for dementia.
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References
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