Journal of Gerontological Nursing
Vol. 31 No. 12 December 2005
By Sandee Lynn Hicks-Moore, MN, RN
ABSTRACT
Agitation in individuals with severe cognitive impairment is a significant problem that affects care and overall quality of life. Building on research conducted by Goddaer and Abraham (1994), this quasi-experimental study proposed that relaxing music played during meals would exert a calming effect and decrease agitated behaviors among nursing home residents with dementia. Thirty residents residing in a Special Care Unit participated in the 4-week study. The Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (Cohen-Mansfield, Marx, & Rosenthal, 1989) was used to gather data. Baseline data was obtained in Week 1 (no music). Music was introduced in Week 2, removed in Week 3, and reintroduced in Week 4. At the end of the 4-week study, overall reductions in the cumulative incidence of total agitated behaviors were observed. Reductions in absolute numbers of agitated behaviors were achieved during the weeks with music and a distinct pattern was observed.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ms. Hicks-Moore is Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing, University of New Brunswick Saint John, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada.
Address correspondence to Sandee Lynn Hicks-Moore, MN, RN, Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing, University of New Brunswick Saint John, P.O. Box 5050, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada E2L 4L5, or e-mail shicks@unbsj.ca.
