The Efficacy of Employing Music-based Interventions to Manage Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Systematic Review of Music Therapy as a Nonpharmacological Method

Abstract

Among the diseases with no cure lies neurodegenerative diseases, a group of disorders that result from progressive damage to cells and nervous system structures and connections that are essential for mobility, coordination, sensation, cognition, and strength. Research on ways to manage Neurodegenerative Diseases (NDDs) is increasing in its pivotal nature in the modern realm of medicine, because to this date there is no widespread cure for them. This paper assesses the efficacy of using music-based interventions (MBIs) to manage these NDDs. In addition, after reviewing multiple articles, this research paper highlights a systematic review of music therapy (MT) when employed as a nonpharmacological method. These articles are based on relevant topics, which are included as a review of related literature. To make the data visually easier to read, a table was constructed, and visual information, including images, was incorporated. The primary method for going about this research problem was interviewing a music therapist. The interview provided extremely valuable insight from an expert who frequently witnesses the implementation of MBIs to better the quality of life for dementia patients. This includes using music therapy to manage their NDDs. From the primary themes analyzed from the music therapist's responses, the researcher concludes that music therapy is extremely efficient in managing dementia and other such NDDs, as well as, its increasing popularity, relevance, and practicality. However, additional research needs to be conducted on this subject. Additional studies and tests of other nonpharmacological methods and other specific types of music-based interventions are recommended in order to explore this topic further.