Experiences of Art & Music Therapy for People Living with Dementia V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Perceived Impact of Art and Music Therapy for Service Users with Dementia: An Abbreviated Grounded Theory
IRAS ID
362029
Contact name
Elle Andersen
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Canterbury Christ Church University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 1 days
Research summary
Research suggests that art and music therapy can enhance quality of life, stimulate memory, strengthen relationships and support emotional well-being for people living with dementia. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends, in its treatment guidelines for people with dementia, engaging in art and music activities. This highlights the importance of understanding any impacts of these therapies and the mechanisms that cause any observed effects.
To date, no research has examined the mechanisms of any impacts for both art and music therapy for people living with dementia within a single study. This study addresses that gap and hopes to improve future delivery of the therapy by asking: How do people with dementia experience art and music therapy, and what processes contribute to any perceived impacts?
To address this research question, we will invite people living with dementia accessing art or music therapy from a community secondary care mental health team to participate in this research study. Participation will involve us collating Routine Outcome Measures(ROMs) they have completed during their therapy and asking them to take part in an interview at the end of the therapy.
We will ask the person living with dementia if they are happy for a family member, caregiver, or loved one to also participate. With their consent, we will contact the chosen individual to invite them to take part. Their participation will also include us collating ROMs they have completed about their loved one before and after the therapy, as well as taking part in an interview at the end of the intervention.
We will also recruit art and music therapists who have experience of working with people living with dementia to participate in an interview. Interview questions for all participants will ask about any perceived impacts of the intervention and how these might have occurred.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/YH/0240
Date of REC Opinion
5 Dec 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion