Preferred music listening for people living with dementia: Two home-based case studies discussing compilation process, autobiographical and biophysical responses

Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in dementia can be reduced through music listening. Little has been reported on home-based listening, compilation processes, or individual responses that include biophysiological data.

We aim to provide new insights from two home-based case studies focused on specific music selections. Participants were part of a larger study, co-designing an automated radio, diary reminder and personal playlist system for NPS management. Playlists were compiled that would have the best possible chance of achieving this, based on participants’ autobiographical, narrative, heart rate (HR) and videoed responses.

Participant's responses to their music aligned with the genre they chose – dancing to up-beat music, contrasting with subtle responses to Beethoven. Repeated listens may help to establish consistency of responses and allow time to communicate their genuine preferences, not those others suggested. If all of these data converge, then they could help confirm the suitability of music for NPS management.