Time Series Analysis of Individual Music Therapy in Dementia

Abstract. This pilot study evaluated the effects of individual music therapy on communication behavior and emotional well-being in persons with advanced dementia. Contrary to more common qualitative designs in dementia-related music therapy research, we used time series analysis of videographed music therapy sessions. This quantitative statistical method for modeling and explaining time-dependent processual data has not been employed in this research area before. Based on aggregated time series data, the results showed positive and statistically significant intervention effects on participants’ communication behavior, situational well-being, and their expression of positive emotions. The study results indicate that, by choosing appropriate outcomes, video-based time series analysis is sensitive and well suited to displaying the effects of music therapy in dementia care.