This scoping review summarises and characterises current research that examines the relationship between anxiety, depression and agitation in older people with dementia in residential facilities and specialist care units and participation in planned musical activities.

Five databases were searched. Eligible studies were published between 1990 and 2016, were published in English, included participants aged 65 or older living in residential facilities or being cared for in specialist dementia units, assessed music activity at group level and included at least one reported psychological dementia symptom measure (e.g., anxiety, depression, agitation) in older adults with dementia. Two authors reviewed all eligible studies.

Six eligible studies were identified. The study designs included randomised controlled trials (n=4), a randomised trial with cross-over design (n=1) and a non-randomised controlled trial (n=1). Sample sizes ranged between 20 and 104 participants and the majority of the participants were women. A wide variety of functional scores were used. Of the six eligible studies, three found that group music therapy reduced depression and agitation in persons with dementia, with improvements in depression occurring immediately after music therapy and throughout the course of therapy. Three other articles found that music therapy did not affect the behavioural assessment or had no additional beneficial short-term effect on reducing agitation.

There is insufficient evidence of the effect of music therapy on anxiety, depression and agitation in this population. Future studies should consider how specific musical interventions can improve anxiety, depression and agitation in older adults with dementia in residential facilities and specialist care units.