Individualized Passive Music Listening (IPML) for People With Moderate to Severe Dementia Living in Long‐Term Care Facilities: Effects on Communication, and Why We Should Care

What is already known on this subject Individualized Passive Music Listening (IPML), which can be implemented by both formal and informal caregivers, has been recommended as an effective non-pharmacological approach for improving quality of life in individuals with dementia, particularly by decreasing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). However, fewer studies have explored the ability of IPML to impact positive behaviors (e.g., engagement, socialization), and no studies have directly measured the immediate impact of IPML on functional communication. What this study adds to the existing knowledge IPML was found to have small but positive effects on functional communication (discourse amount and informativeness) for individuals with moderate to severe dementia as measured immediately following intervention. These preliminary results support the need for continuing to investigate the full spectrum of positive effects following passive music listening interventions, particularly for individuals living with moderate to severe dementia for whom fewer options to address communication have been explored. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this study? Music interventions, particularly IPML, are non-invasive, simple strategies that can be leveraged to support the cognitive processes underlying language and communication. SLPs are encouraged to collaborate with other members of the care team to design environments that capitalize on these effects for adults with dementia, particularly those within residential care settings.