Musicoterapia na qualidade de vida em idosos com Doença de Alzheimer leve em uma Institução de Longa Permanência: Estudo de caso

Abstract

Music is considered one of the most effective sources of brain stimulation, involving brain areas related to motivation, attention, processing, memory, motor and emotional function and performance in the auditory cortex (Sarkamo et al., 2008). Music Therapy uses music as a tool to promote the emotional well-being of patients and improve Quality of Life (QoL) (Passarini, 2005). Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia are on the list of the leading causes of death in the world (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2012). Studies with music therapy activities have demonstrated benefits in cognition, behavior, mood, quality of life and well-being in individuals with dementia (Gutierrez et al., 2014). Music has the ability to evoke memories and emotions, which provides a link with the individual's past, making it an ideal stimulus for people with dementia (Gerdner, 1997; Jacobsen et al., 2015). This research studied the effects of Music Therapy on Quality of Life in elderly people with mild Alzheimer's Disease (AD), based on a case study in a Long-Term Care Institution (LTI). Responses were observed in different aspects of the WHOQOL-BREF Quality of Life test and the Music Therapy Protocol in Elderly Care, regarding group music therapy activities in two elderly people. Data processing and analysis were performed using the Excel program. In the results, no differences were found in Quality of Life (p > 0.05). More studies are needed to understand the short and long-term benefits. The data found were satisfactory, however methodological limitations were detected, such as the small sample. The understanding of the human brain as a dynamic and adaptive organ gives space to non-drug therapies in neuropsychological rehabilitation processes, through the conception that the brain has the capacity to restructure itself depending on new environmental demands and experiences (Haase; Lacerda , 2004).