A new approach using music therapy is showing promise in helping some of the most vulnerable dementia patients feel less distressed while in hospital.
Researchers from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust tested a method called MELODIC on two NHS dementia wards.
The aim was to find kinder, safer alternatives to medication for people with dementia who experience extreme distress.
Music therapy involves trained therapists using music—through singing, playing instruments, or listening—to connect with patients.
It can also include creating music-based care plans for individual patients, which families and staff can use as part of daily routines.
In the pilot study, a music therapist worked directly on the hospital wards, offering personalized music sessions for each patient.
These sessions were designed not only to soothe patients, but also to support staff in managing difficult behaviors without relying heavily on medications like sedatives or antipsychotics.
The results, published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, were encouraging.
Patients showed a small improvement in their quality of life and a decrease in distress and disruptive behaviors.
Although there was a slight increase in agitation scores, no harmful events or safety concerns were linked to the music therapy. This is especially meaningful in a setting where research is limited and patients often have complex needs.
Naomi Thompson, the lead author and researcher at ARU’s Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research, explained that patients on dementia wards often experience intense distress, and that hospital staff face constant pressure to manage this in ways that are both safe and compassionate. The MELODIC tool, she said, offers a practical and gentle alternative to medication in these challenging environments.
To shape the program, the team spoke with 49 people, including health workers, patients, and families, to learn how they use music in everyday life and care. Their input helped design the music therapy approach so that it could be used effectively and meaningfully.
The therapy is also affordable, costing about £2,025 per month for the therapist and a one-time fee of £400 for music equipment. This makes it a low-cost and scalable option for hospitals.
Dr. Ben Underwood, a consultant psychiatrist involved in the project, said he was excited by the results and hopeful that more NHS dementia wards could soon use music to improve patient experiences.
