B Sharp—The cognitive effects of a pilot community music program for people with dementia-related disorders

INTRODUCTION: Dementia has been described as the greatest global challenge for healthcare in the 21st century. Pharmaceutical interventions have dominated dementia treatment despite limited efficacy. There is increasing interest in alternatives to delay the progression of cognitive decline, such as community-based programs, promoting social and stimulating experiences. This article discusses a pilot music-based community program (B Sharp) for persons with dementia-related disorders. METHOD: In the pilot study, we assessed 23 persons with dementia-related disorders who, with their caregivers, attended the symphony season and accompanying social hours over a 10-month period. Participants completed a baseline and follow-up brief neuropsychological test to assess cognitive changes. RESULTS: Significant improvements were observed between the pre– and post–B Sharp program assessments (P < .010). DISCUSSION: Results support the feasibility of the B Sharp program as a community-based program to target cognitive decline. Additional research is needed to understand the mechanisms involved in the improvements observed in this program.