The role of caregivers and music therapists for well-being in persons with dementia

Aging means “to grow old” – and healthy aging means growing old in a way where the person remains active, autonomous and integrated. This emphasizes an approach to aging and well-being in opposition to antiaging and ageism. Dementia is a syndrome affecting cognitive functioning, but is not directly related to age although dementia diseases are more common with old age. People in mid- to late-stage dementia show severe cognitive decline and require
extensive assistance to carry out daily activities. They are therefore dependent on someone to assist them around the clock. The assistance or caregiving may be provided by family or other informal carers, or by professionals. Caregiving is often reported as stressful and as a physical, emotional and economic burden which may negatively affect healthy aging and wellbeing (see Ridder, 2016).