Interactive Music to Facilitate Communication and Engagement in Advanced Dementia

An Exploratory Single-Case Study

Autores/as

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v26i2.4608

Palabras clave:

music therapy, rhythm, entrainment, rehabilitation, dementia, motor performing

Resumen

This exploratory case study focuses on a 90-year-old female dementia patient, a veteran of the Second World War, who participated in multiple face-to-face singing and activating sessions. These sessions utilised interactive singing designed to stimulate cognitive, emotional, and motor engagement. The primary objective was to explore the sensorystimulating techniques used by the music therapist and to document the patient’s emotional, social, and motor responses. A case study was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative analyses of two video-recorded sessions. Findings reveal that familiar songs evoked autobiographical memories, enhancing emotional engagement and facilitating verbal and non-verbal psycho-social interaction. Rhythmic cues stimulated motor activation, while communal singing improved affective (emotional) responses. The study emphasises the importance of cultural and historical relevance in selecting musical material to optimise emotional and cognitive engagement in dementia care. Findings suggest that personalised interactive music interventions may improve motor, cognitive, emotional, and social engagement in dementia  patients, supporting communication and reducing social isolation. Further research is recommended to validate these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms of music-induced cognitive and emotional activation in dementia patients.

Biografía del autor/a

Jaana Ruotsalainen, Department of Music, Art and Culture Studies, University of Jyväskylä, Finland

Jaana Routsalianen, a licensed physiotherapist (since 1976) and holder of an M.A. in Music Therapy (2013), is currently pursuing her doctoral studies in Music Therapy at the University of Jyväskylä. Her  research focuses on integrating music, rhythm, and, as a novel element, the patient’s own voice as tools to enhance long-term rehabilitation for neurological patients. Through her work, she aims to strengthen patients’ subjectivity and self-esteem by incorporating activating and motivating elements such as rhythm, music, and singing into therapy. She approaches her patients holistically, considering their psychosocial, cognitive, and motor abilities. Jaana’s publications document her extensive experience in neurological rehabilitation and contribute to the broader understanding of how music can influence motor, cognitive, and emotional functioning. The outcomes of her research are expected to support and advance the work of rehabilitation professionals working with neurological patients.

Annika Tammela, Department of Music, Art and Culture Studies and Centre of Excellence in Music, Mind, Body and Brain, University of Jyväskylä

Annika Tammela holds a BA, MA, and PhD in Music Education from the University of Jyväskylä. She is currently a higher education teacher and researcher at the Centre of Excellence in Music, Mind, Body and Brain, University of Jyväskylä, Finland. Her primary research focus is on music and perceived well-being, from the perspectives of social inclusion, belonging and agency. She is interested in musical identity, everyday use of music, generational experiences, emotions, and how and why music is significant for individuals and communities. Her methodological expertise is in qualitative approaches,
specializing in ethnography and interviews. In addition to her academic career, she is a trained musician, working as a community and care musician with aged adults. Her research aims to strengthen the use of arts and culture within the structures and practices of the health sector.

Andrew Danso, Department of Music, Art and Culture Studies and Centre of Excellence in Music, Mind, Body and Brain, University of Jyväskylä

Andrew Danso holds a PhD in Music Therapy from the University of Jyväskylä. He is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Centre of Excellence in Music, Mind, Body and Brain, University of Jyväskylä, Finland. He works at the intersection of music, sport, physical activity and health. His research explores music’s role in behaviour change, physical activity, and affective responses during exercise. His current research spans collaborative projects with arts and health practitioners, psychology researchers and sports scientists.

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4608-Ruotsalainen et al. Photos: J. Ruotsalainen/Univeristy of Jyväskylä

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Publicado

2026-07-01

Cómo citar

Ruotsalainen, J., Tammela, A., & Danso, A. (2026). Interactive Music to Facilitate Communication and Engagement in Advanced Dementia: An Exploratory Single-Case Study. Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 26(2). https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v26i2.4608

Número

Vol. 26 Núm. 2 (2026)

Sección

Research

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Derechos de autor 2026 Jaana Ruotsalainen, Annika Tammela, Andrew Danso

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Esta obra está bajo una licencia internacional Creative Commons Atribución 4.0.

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