A groundbreaking study has been launched to explore the healing power of music for dementia sufferers.
- Hull’s MediMusic and Anglia Ruskin University team up to use a £183,682 grant for research.
- The study focuses on South Asian dementia patients in UK care homes, a first in this field.
- Music therapy aims to reduce anxiety and pain, enhancing daily living for residents.
- Early trials show promise, with potential reductions in heart rate by up to 25%.
Hull-based MediMusic, in collaboration with Anglia Ruskin University, is embarking on a pioneering research project. This study, awarded a substantial grant of £183,682, marks the first instance of research into the effects of music therapy on dementia patients of South Asian descent residing in UK care homes. The primary goal is to ascertain whether music, combined with AI technology, can alleviate pain, anxiety, and stress in these individuals.
The research introduces innovative concepts in music therapy by expanding the existing MediMusic library to include a broader range of Indian and Pakistani music. By leveraging machine learning, the project aims to provide a tailored therapeutic experience for South Asian residents, integrating cultural relevance into their care. The researchers will commence this initiative by examining how South Asian music can be meaningfully incorporated into daily life, alongside conducting interviews with caregivers.
Dr Ming Hung Hsu of Anglia Ruskin University highlights the novelty and excitement surrounding this study, noting that until now, there has been little research involving South Asian care home residents. He emphasises the known positive impacts of music in fostering joy and calmness among dementia patients and their carers. “This study is incredibly exciting as research hasn’t been carried out amongst care home residents from the South Asian community before, but we know from our previous work that music can have a joyful and calming effect for those living with dementia and those looking after them,” says Dr Hsu.
The MediMusic app functions by analysing a song’s ‘digital DNA’ to create a specific ‘fingerprint’ for therapeutic purposes. This technology considers various demographic factors such as age, gender, and ethnicity to generate a personalised music playlist aimed at easing symptoms. Initial studies at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals indicated a promising reduction in heart rates of up to 25% among dementia sufferers, underscoring the potential effectiveness of this approach.
Anglia Ruskin University’s Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research, one of the world’s most influential research bodies in this field, supports this study. With a formidable team of 30 researchers, including PhD students, the institute’s backing lends significant weight and credibility to the endeavour.
This innovative study could transform dementia care through the use of personalised music therapy.
