To assess the effects of a music therapy intervention
on concentrations of melatonin, norepinephrine, epinephrine,
serotonin, and prolactin in the blood of a group of patients with
Alzheimer's disease. DESIGN: Blood samples were obtained before
initiating the therapy, immediately at the end of 4 weeks of music
therapy sessions, and at 6 weeks follow-up after cessation of the
sessions.
SETTING:
Miami Veterans Administration Medical Center, Miami,
Florida.
PATIENTS:
20 male inpatients with Alzheimer's disease.
INTERVENTION:
30- to 40-minute morning sessions of music therapy
5 times per week for 4 weeks.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
Changes in melatonin, norepinephrine,
epinephrine, serotonin, and prolactin following music therapy.
RESULTS:
Melatonin concentration in serum increased significantly
after music therapy and was found to increase further at 6 weeks
follow-up. A significant increase was found between baseline values
and data recorded after the music therapy sessions as well as at 6
weeks follow-up. Norepinephrine and epinephrine levels increased
significantly after 4 weeks of music therapy, but returned to
pretherapy levels at 6 weeks follow-up. Serum concentration of
prolactin and platelet serotonin levels remained unchanged after 4
weeks of music therapy and at 6 weeks follow-up.
BENEFITS:
Increased levels of melatonin following music therapy may
have contributed to patients' relaxed and calm mood.
