Music Therapy for Older Adults with Dementia: Impact, Challenges and Future Directive in Africa

Music therapy is an effective non-pharmacological intervention for enhancing cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being in older adults with dementia. Its application in Nigeria has demonstrated significant benefits, particularly when incorporating culturally relevant Afrocentric music. However, challenges such as infrastructural limitations and a lack of legislative support hinder its sustainability and broader implementation. To address these challenges, we are actively advocating for the inclusion of music therapy in national dementia care policies for dementia management in Africa.