A Music Intervention's Effect on Falls in a Dementia Unit

Agitation has been linked to higher fall rates in demented elderly; music has been shown to diminish agitation. This study tested the hypothesis that music will also reduce falls in institutionalized persons with dementia. A quasi-experimental 1-group time-series design was conducted on a 55-bed dementia unit. Falls were recorded for 4 3-month periods. The data from 3 of these quarters were compared using a paired sample t-test. No significant difference was found. For descriptive purposes, falls from the previous autumn were reviewed retrospectively to detect a possible seasonal pattern. Falls increased in both winter quarters compared to autumn.