Category Archives: Older Adults

MTRB #20 – Robert Groene

Robert Groene is an Associate Professor and the Director of Music Therapy at UMKC. He received his BS, MA, and PhD degrees from the University of Minnesota. He is a past professor at The University of Iowa and Wartburg College. Dr. Groene is an active teacher researcher, clinician and research editorial board member in local, regional, national, and international venues. He was a past nominee for President-Elect of the American Music Therapy Association, Past President of the AMTA Midwestern Region, former Co-Chair of the AMTA Standards of Clinical Practice, and a recipient of the AMTA Service Award.

He is a former Interim Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at the Conservatory, a recipient of the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Conservatory Excellence in Teaching Award, and a recipient of the Kauffman Conservatory Service Award. Dr. Groene is a Leadership Fellow of the UM System and Co-Chair of the 2020 Task force Faculty/Staff/Student Climate Subcommittee. His current research interests include the efficacy of music therapy concerning neurologic music therapy, curriculum, imagery, dementia, road rage, dental fears, and aging in community.

Music for this podcast is “Missouri Joe” by Sophie Tucker from the album Edison Amberol Record: 716

Music Therapy for Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Dementia

Neuropsychiatric symptoms that result from dementia can take a great toll on not only the patient, but the patient’s caregivers. In 2015, Hsu et al. conducted a feasibility study investigating the preliminary effects of a five-month music therapy treatment program on neuropsychiatric symptoms in individuals with a diagnosis of dementia. The study was carried out in two United Kingdom nursing homes, with one-on-one sessions with a qualified music therapist who was registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. Continue reading →

Comparison of Recreational Music and Music Therapy in Older Adults

One topic that we have been interested in at MTRB is a comparison between music therapy and recreational music making. A recent study compared the two with older adults experiencing depression. Continue reading →

MTRB#6: Julian O’Kelly

We recorded this podcast on January 15, 2015 (yes, 1/15/15) with a wonderful guest, Dr. Julian O’Kelly. He has worked in neuro-rehabilitation and palliative care as a music therapy clinician, manager, educationalist and researcher for the last fifteen years and regularly presents at international symposia and conferences. In addition to his research work, Julian chairs the scientific committee for the forthcoming international conference at the Royal Hospital for Neurodisability: ‘Music Therapy Advances in Neurodisability II’, and is associate editor of a special research topic for the open access publication ‘Frontiers in Human Neuroscience’ titled ‘Dialogues in music therapy and music neuroscience: collaborative understanding driving clinical advances.’

Publication on music therapy assessment of disorders of consciousness

Frontiers in Neuroscience: “Dialogues”

Neurophysiological and behavioral responses to music therapy (article abstract)

Link to the JISCMAIL MT Neurology Network

Music Therapy for Agitation in Dementia

This week we will look at a cost effectiveness synthesis that included music therapy as a non-pharmocological intervention. Livingston et al. (2014) conducted a synthesis paper in order to determine the cost-effectiveness of different sensory and behavioral interventions for agitation in adults with dementia. Continue reading →

Music Therapy for Older Adults with Dementia

Our First update of the year will be focused on some article concerning older adults with dementia. Two look at the impact of music therapy sessions on behaviors and the last will look at an evaluation of the Music in Dementia Assessment Scale. Continue reading →

Music Engagement: Long-term Training Effects

Researchers have demonstrated that music training changes the brain. Although it can be expected that engagement in any prolonged and specialized activity will yield cortical changes, the impact of music on the brain seems to be unique. In this MTRB post we will review some recent studies on music exposure and cortical differences. Continue reading →

Affect Change in Older Adults with Dementia

Music therapists who work with older adults will often notice a change in affect and interest with music stimuli. A recent study compared music to 25 other forms of stimuli including social interaction, work, or reading. Continue reading →

New Articles on MT for Agitation in Persons with Dementia

Agitation is a major issue for older adults with dementia. Older adults who have dementia with agitation often need more support services in order to ensure their safety. Two recent studies indicated that music therapy services may reduce the amount of agitation in older adults with dementia. Continue reading →

MT for Agitation in Older Adults with Dementia

As mentioned in recent Music Therapy Research Blog (MTRB) post, there has been an heightened focus on research for older adult populations, in part due to the impending increase in the number of older adults. In this MTRB mash-up we will take a look at current research in music therapy for agitation in older adults with dementia. Continue reading →