As the population ages, the prevalence of dementia is increasing. Distressing
behavioral problems are often part of the illness. This review considers the available evidence
for cognitive effects related to music, evidence for the efficacy of music in the management of
behavioral problems in dementia, and evidence about the effects of different types of music, their
mode of delivery, and any adverse effects. Live music may be more beneficial than recorded.
The effect of music may not be lasting, but there is evidence of benefit in studies, which to date
are mostly not of high qualitymusic and dementia
