The goal of this single-arm feasibility study is to learn whether group music therapy is feasible in a rural area for people living with dementia and their companions. The main questions are:
1. Is a group music therapy intervention feasible in a rural community setting? 1a. Are there preliminary changes in health and well-being outcomes following participation in a 10-week community music therapy group? 2. What were participants' experiences and preferences regarding the different components of the music therapy programme? 3. What is the role of peer support in participants' experiences of a community music therapy intervention?
Participants living with dementia and their companions will be asked to take part in 10-weeks of music therapy in the community. Before and after each music therapy session, they will be asked to answer an easy-read satisfaction survey to gather information on the 'in the moment' experiences of music therapy.
Participants will also be asked to complete surveys on quality of life, loneliness, depression and well-being on three occasions:
* Before music therapy starts * During week 5 of music therapy * After music therapy
After music therapy, participants will also be asked to
* Complete a survey about their experiences of different parts of the music therapy programme * Take part in an individual feasibility interview * Take part in an interview exploring the role of peer support within the music therapy groups
If a person does not have the capacity to answer any questions, their companion will be asked to provide the information on behalf of the individual living with dementia.
One person must have a clinical diagnosis of dementia and be accompanied by a companion
Participants must be able to attend the 10-week programme, recognising that unavoidable absences (e.g., illness or unforeseen personal circumstances) may occur
Be willing to provide data on health and well-being and take part in interviews.
Be able to speak and understand the English language
Individuals, as dyads are the participants being recruited
Dyads were neither person has a clinical diagnosis of dementia
Are unavailable to generally commit to the research programme including music therapy sessions
Are unable to speak or understand the English language
Single group
Group music therapy
BehavioralGroup music therapy will be held in the local community of Tarporley for 10 weeks. The music therapy will be delivered by a HCPC registered music therapist with experience of working with people living with dementia. Each session will be held for 1.5 hours: consisting of 1 hour of music therapy and the remaining time available for participants to have tea, coffee and cake providing an opportunity to talk and socialise. All participants will be provided with a name label before each session. The one hour of weekly music therapy will consist of singing, music listening, playing with instruments and interactive music making opportunities.
Acceptability and practicality of the study
The following feasibility measures will be collected to assess the acceptability and practicality of the study: number of participants who were recruited, adhered and retained to the study. Numerical levels of satisfaction throughout the duration of the study and qualitative details on feasibility from participants.
Dementia quality of life measure: DEMQOL
Quality of life of participants living with dementia will be measured using the DEMQOL questionnaire or the DEMQOL proxy questionnaire completed by their companion if a person does not have capacity to answer for themselves. Scoring: DEMQOL: (minimum score) 28-112 (maximum score); higher score = better quality of life. DEMQOL-Proxy: (minimum score) 31-124 (maximum score); higher =better quality of life as rated by a caregiver/proxy).
UCLA 3-item Loneliness Scale
Loneliness will be measured of both participants living with dementia and their companions using the UCLA 3-item Loneliness Scale. If a person does not have capacity, their companion will complete this on behalf of the person living with dementia. Scoring: 3 (minimum score) - 9 (maximum score) with higher scores indicating greater loneliness.
Short Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS 15)
Depression levels will be measured using the Short Geriatric Depression Scale for both individuals living with dementia and their companions for those over 65 years of age. If a person does not have capacity, their companion will complete this on behalf of the person living with dementia. Scoring: 0 (minimum score) - 15 (maximum score) with higher scores indicating worse depressive symptoms
Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale
Well-being will be measured using the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale for both person living with dementia and their companions. If a person does not have capacity, their companion will complete this on behalf of the person living with dementia. Scoring: 7 (minimum score) - 35 (maximum score) with higher scores indicating better well-being.
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