Running head: DEMENTIA 1
Evidence based practice - Essay
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,DEMENTIA 2
Evidence-based practice - Essay
Dementia is a disease that declines an individuals’ ability to memorize and recall which is caused
by the death of brain cells. Dementia disables a persons’ ability to perform day to day activity.
Dementia is not a single disease (like related to a heart) but is more like a group of symptoms that
gradually affects the normal routine, activities and memory of a person (Zhang et al., 2017). There
are different models that involve different treatments of this disease. This essay explores the past
literature related to contemporary dementia care practices. In order to narrow down the research,
two contemporary models of dementia care are taken and are critically analyzed to discover the
effectiveness of both.
Dementia is a wide range of brain disorders typically of a persistent and continuous nature that
causes gradual decline/degeneration in the mental capacity (i.e. the ability to think) of an individual
beyond the standards of natural ageing (Budson & Solomon, 2011). It primarily impacts memory,
comprehension, perception, calculation, language, motivation, judgment etc. However, it usually
does not impact consciousness (WHO, 2019). The incidence of dementia rises substantially with
age, with the psychological and behavioural manifestations of dementia greatly leading to
compromised welfare and quality of life (Crespo, Hornillos & De Quirós, 2013). Subsequently,
dementia is far more prevalent in long-standing care facilities than in the community level, creating
significant obstacles for care providers, and efficient methods and interventions are crucial for
enhancing the situation of dementia patients within such settings/environments (Seitz, Purandare
& Conn, 2010). Cognitive dysfunction is usually associated with, or often accompanied by, a
decline in emotional regulation, social activity or motivation. There are numerous forms of
dementia. The most prevalent type is Alzheimer's disease which may account for 60% to 70% of
the cases. Other common types include vascular dementia (25%), dementia with Lewy bodies
, DEMENTIA 3
(15%) (abnormal protein aggregates formed inside neurons) and a cluster of disorders contributing
to frontotemporal dementia (WHO, 2019). Less prevalent causes comprise of Parkinson's disease
dementia, syphilis, normal pressure hydrocephalus, HIV, and Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease. There are
indistinct and blurred distinctions between various forms of dementia and so, multiple forms of
the disease can be present in an individual simultaneously (Zhang et al., 2017). While experts from
all over the world are investigating hard to discover different ways in which dementia can be
treated and prevented, several innovative therapeutic techniques are available to control the
cognitive and emotional symptoms of dementia.
MUSIC THERAPY:
Music therapy is a therapeutic application of music to alleviate the suffering of individuals. The
aim of music therapy is to optimize patients' health through effective and responsive music in the
areas of physical, emotional, mental, environmental, educational, artistic and spiritual wellbeing.
The empirical literature on musical therapy is primarily qualitative and quantitative. Music therapy
is often used in several hospitals, cancer centres, and educational institutions, rehabilitation
centres, psychiatric clinics and correctional/detention institutions (American Music Therapy
Association, 2011). As per Dr Daniel Levitin, "Singing and instrumental activities might have
helped our species to refine motor skills, paving the way for the development of the exquisitely
fine muscle control required for vocal or signed speech.” (Levitin, 2006). Proof shows that music
therapy is effective both physically and psychologically for all individuals. Music therapy
incentives usually involve boosted heart rates, lowered anxiety, brain stimulation and enriched
learning. Music therapists use their methods to assist their clients in several aspects, from stress
management to Alzheimer's disease (American Psychological Association, 2013). Music therapy
is an excellent tool which ensures a beneficial outcome. When an individual has a
