Research summaryModerate evidence
Music-Based Activities in Dementia Care: Mood, Behavior and Connection
What the 2025 Cochrane review found, and how to use music well
Written for: Medical directors, Activity directors, Nursing leaders
Reading settings
Settings are kept in this browser, for every Research Center page.
Key takeaways
- The 2025 Cochrane review of 30 studies, with 1,720 participants, found that at least five sessions of a music-based intervention probably improve depressive symptoms slightly, compared with usual care.1
- Music may improve overall behavioral problems, and, compared with other activities, may improve social behavior.1
- There is no evidence yet of a difference in agitation, emotional well-being or cognition, and no evidence of effects that last after the sessions end.1
- Music the person knows and loves is the practical place to start.
At a glance
What counts as a music-based intervention1 min
In brief: Listening, singing, playing or moving to music, in five or more planned sessions.
The Cochrane review looked at planned music-based interventions of at least five sessions: listening to music, singing, playing simple instruments or moving to music, led by music therapists or trained staff, compared with usual care or with other activities.1
What the Cochrane review found1 min
In brief: A probable small lift in mood, a possible improvement in behavior, and no proven effect on agitation or memory.
| Outcome | What the review found |
|---|---|
| Depressive symptoms, compared with usual care | Probably improved slightly at the end of treatment (moderate-certainty evidence) |
| Overall behavioral problems, compared with usual care | May improve (low-certainty evidence) |
| Social behavior, compared with other activities | May improve |
| Agitation, emotional well-being, cognition | No evidence of a difference, although this is uncertain |
| Effects after the sessions end | No evidence of long-term effects |
Wording follows the review’s summary of its findings.1
Using music well1 min
In brief: Personal favorites, a comfortable volume, and singing that is invited, never required.
- Start from the person’s own favorites: ask family, and watch for the songs that bring a response.
- Keep the volume comfortable, and avoid music playing constantly in the background, where it becomes noise.
- Invite singing, clapping and movement; never require them.
- Watch for signs that a song brings distress, and move on gently.
These are practice points from experience rather than trial findings. The Academy masterclass Music That Reaches: Sing-Alongs and Playlists covers them in more depth.
How Cognicopia supports it1 min
In brief: Music activities, era songs on Reminiscence Cards, and calendars that place music later in the day.
- The Packet Builder’s Music, Rhythm & Sound activities print at each resident’s support tier.
- Reminiscence Cards include a song from the resident’s era.
- The Facility Portal places calming pillars, music among them, later in the day.
What this means for your community
- Plan music as a regular program of at least five sessions, not an occasional extra.
- Build a short list of personal favorites for each resident, with family help.
- Use music to lift mood and connect people, without promising calmer behavior or better memory.
What this evidence does not show
- The benefit for depressive symptoms is small, and no long-term effect has been shown.
- The evidence for behavior is low-certainty, and there is no proven effect on agitation or cognition.
- The studies varied in the kind of music intervention and in who led it.
References
- van der Steen JT, van der Wouden JC, Methley AM, Smaling HJA, Vink AC, Bruinsma MS. Music-based therapeutic interventions for people with dementia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2025;3:CD003477. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003477.pub5 View source (opens in a new tab)
How to cite this page
Cognicopia. Music-Based Activities in Dementia Care: Mood, Behavior and Connection. Cognicopia Clinical Science & Research Center. Updated September 30, 2026. Accessed [date]. https://cognicopia.org/resources/research/music-dementia/
An educational summary for professionals, not medical advice. It reports each source’s findings as the source states them, and was reviewed against its sources on September 30, 2026. Cognicopia makes the tools this page mentions. Found an error? Tell us.