Home-based music therapy for people with dementia and their caregivers: A mixed-method systematic review of dyadic impacts.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVE

Dementia imposes profound challenges on both people with dementia (PwD) and their caregivers, and home-based interventions offer a practical avenue to support dyadic well-being. Music therapy has emerged as a non-pharmacological approach with potential benefits for cognitive, emotional, and relational outcomes. This systematic review aimed to synthesize current evidence on the dyadic impacts of home-based music therapy (HBMT) for PwD and their caregivers.

METHODS

A systematic search of Web of Science, MEDLINE, and PubMed was conducted for studies published in English prior to March 29, 2025. Empirical studies involving dyadic home-based music therapy were included. A total of 1155 records were identified through database searching, and 14 studies met the inclusion criteria. The review adhered to PRISMA guidelines and employed a mixed-method systematic review approach. Qualitative findings were synthesized thematically, while quantitative findings were summarized narratively and integrated into the thematic synthesis. Study quality was appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT).

RESULTS

Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Three analytical themes emerged: (1) enhanced dyadic connections and communication, including strengthened emotional bonds, improved interaction, and evocation of shared memories; (2) dyadic subjective well-being enhancement and psychological empowerment, encompassing mood improvement, emotional relief, confidence, and self-efficacy; and (3) reduction of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in PwD and stress in caregivers.

DISCUSSION AND

CONCLUSION

HBMT constitutes a promising non-pharmacological intervention that supports relational, emotional, and behavioral outcomes within dementia caregiving dyads. It functions as a relational intervention, with bidirectional influences between dyadic engagement and intervention outcomes. However, evidence on long-term effectiveness remains limited and mixed. Future research should explore strategies to sustain benefits longitudinally and examine factors influencing intervention adherence and effectiveness. This review has several limitations, including heterogeneity in study designs and interventions, small sample sizes, limited reporting on dyadic outcomes and therapist involvement, and potential publication bias.