1. Knowledge Translation Plan: Barriers and Limitations:
Music to My Ears Courtney Harver Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation Student Longwood University, Department of Health, Athletic Training, Recreation, & Kinesiology; Therapeutic Recreation Program PICO Statement: Is Music Therapy more effective than Medication Therapy at reducing symptoms of Sundowner’s Syndrome in older adults with Alzheimer’s and Dementia?
Knowledge Translation Plan:
Older adults should be exposed to music everyday.
If Music Therapy is not available on a daily basis they should have dedicated time to listen to music.
Music Therapists should be employed in all facilities that work with older adults with Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
Music should be encouraged around sundown to prevent symptoms of Sundowner’s Syndrome.
A radio should be available for individual clients to use at all times.
Knowledge Synthesis:
Alzheimer’s causes issues with memory, thinking, and behavior.
Sundowner’s Syndrome is onset of confusion, agitation, or unusual behavior shown in a person with cognitive impairment that typically occurs around sunset.
Music Therapy has been shown to lower medication use which improves quality of life. (Ridder, 2013)
Music Therapy combats many of the symptoms that otherwise cannot be avoided.
Music Therapy creates major reductions in wandering, repetitious behaviors, and overall restlessness. (Cox, 2011)
Medication used for Sundowner’s Syndrome has been shown to have negative effects on the client.
Medication can impact the clients ability to actively participate in Therapeutic Recreation as well as other therapies.
Music therapy decreases disruptiveness in a group situation. (Ridder, 2013)
Symptoms of Sundowner's Syndrome-
include: restlessness, verbal aggression, agitation, physical aggression, repetitious behaviors, and wandering.
Medication Therapy-
decreases with more Music Therapy Intervention.
Music Therapy-
reduces many symptoms of Sundowner’s Syndrome.
Barriers and Limitations:
There is limited research on activities that impact Sundowner’s Syndrome Symptoms.
There should be more research on the positive effects of Music Therapy.
It would be difficult to impact multiple clients at once while they are experiencing symptoms due to the randomness of symptom onset in all people.
Music Therapy can be expensive.
References:
Cox, E., Nowak, M., & Buettner, P. (2014). Live music promotes positive behaviours in people with Alzheimer's disease. Br J Occup Ther The British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 
Groene, R. (1992). Effectiveness of music therapy 1:1 intervention with individuals having senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Journal Of Music Therapy, 
Jennings, B., & Vance, D. (2008). The short-term effects of music therapy on different types of agitation in adults with Alzheimer's.Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 27-33.
Leach, L. (2004). Cognitive stimulation therapy improves cognition and quality of life in older people with dementia. Evidence-Based Mental Health, 19-19.
Ledger, A., & Baker, F. (2007). An investigation of long-term effects of group music therapy on agitation levels of people with Alzheimer's Disease. Aging & Mental Health,
Moriearty, P, (1999). Health economics/psychiatry. Prescription benefits, pharmqcoeconomics and Alzheimer’s disease: implicqtions for geriatriv health care. Clinical Geriatrics, 7(13), p.
Simard, M., & Van Reekum, R. (1999). Memory assessment in studies of cognition-enhancing drugs for Alzheimer's disease. Drugs & Aging, 14(3), p.
 Svansdottir, H., & Snaedal, J. (2006). Music therapy in moderate and severe dementia of Alzheimer's type: A case–control study. IPG International Psychogeriatrics,