Why you should read this article:

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To enhance your awareness of the potential benefits of music therapy for people with dementia

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To learn about how a music therapy intervention was implemented in a dementia inpatient unit

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To understand the experiences of people with dementia attending individual and group music therapy sessions

There is a growing evidence base to suggest that music therapy is an effective clinical intervention for people with dementia, having positive effects on mood, emotion, communication and memory, and reducing agitation, anxiety and apathy. However, the evidence to support this is predominantly from community settings such as residential care homes or people’s own homes. This article captures the authors’ experiences and reflections regarding their implementation of a music therapy intervention in a dementia inpatient unit. It explores some of the considerations and learning points gained from their experience, including the practicalities around engaging individuals and staff, the use of space, the timing of sessions, available resources and the potential benefits for patients, family members and the unit as a whole. The authors’ experiences suggest that the benefits of music therapy appear to be transferable to the dementia inpatient setting.