The role of music in supporting people with dementia in acute hospitals

As the number of people living with dementia continues to rise, acute hospitals must explore innovative, person-centred strategies to support their needs. Hospital environments can be disorientating and distressing for people with dementia, contributing to increased agitation, anxiety and poorer outcomes. Music, a widely accessible and low-cost intervention, is increasingly recognised for its therapeutic potential in this context. This article explores the use of music as a non-pharmacological intervention in acute hospital settings, highlighting its potential to support cognitive function, psychosocial wellbeing, motor activity, and behavioural symptoms. Drawing on current evidence and practical examples, it outlines how tailored music activities, such as listening, singing, lyric writing, and movement, can enhance person-centred care, improve the patient experience, and reduce reliance on medication. The article also discusses implementation challenges, ethical considerations, and the need for further research to embed music more effectively within routine dementia care in hospitals.