The meaning of life: a pilot study on GIM for existential health in mild dementia

Beskrivelse

Abstract:
Background: Literature and research on GIM with persons with dementia are almost non existing, with GIM contraindicated to this population, however without specifying type or stage of dementia. Yet, a fMRI study demonstrates that musical memory is surprisingly well preserved in persons with Alzheimer’s dementia, and several meta-analyses confirm positive results of music therapy on various aspects of mental wellbeing with persons with dementia.
Method: Together with five participants/co-researchers with mild dementia, we carried out a pilot study with the aim of exploring the applicability, efficacy, and value of GIM for persons with mild dementia, and with knowledge unfolded from an insider’s perspective. As part of the study, we analysed a total of 63 music journeys.
Results: A rich array of descriptions, experiences, and memories emerged during the guided music journeys, and were expressed through seven categories (Music, Visualisation, Body, Feelings, Relations, Reminiscence, and Existential) and 32 sub-categories.
Discussion: Engaging with music seemed to be a natural channel for the participants to experience and express themselves in multifaceted ways and to explore meaning. In the presentation we will share case examples, go through the steps in the analysis of the music journeys, and discuss our results.

References:
Hwang, M. H. (2021). Integrative perspectives on mindfulness, music and music therapy: A literature review. Approaches: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Music Therapy, 14(1), 96-120.

Isene, T. A., Thygesen, H., Danbolt, L. J., & Stifoss-Hanssen, H. (2022). Embodied meaning-making in the experiences and behaviours of persons with dementia. Dementia, 21(2), 442-456.
https://doi.org/10.1177/14713012211042979

Jacobsen, J. H., Stelzer, J., Fritz, T. H., Chételat, G., La Joie, R., & Turner, R. (2015). Why musical memory can be preserved in advanced Alzheimer’s disease. Brain, 138(8), 2438–2450.
https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awv135

Periode	20 sep. 2024
Begivenhedstitel	4th European EAMI Conference: Surrendering to Beauty. Resources and potentialities of music and imagination
Begivenhedstype	Konference
Konferencenummer	4
Placering	Dobbiaco/Toblach (Bolzano), ItalienVis på kort
Grad af anerkendelse	International