Self-regulated music stimulation for persons with Alzheimer's disease: impact assessment and social validation.

Objective: To assess the impact and the social rating of an active music condition (in which 10 patients with Alzheimer's disease regulated their music input) vs. a passive music condition.

Method: In the active condition, the patients used a simple hand response and a microswitch to activate music stimulation periods. In the passive condition, music stimulation was prearranged and continued through the sessions. The active and passive stimulation sessions were preceded and followed by control (non-stimulation) sessions.

Results: The active condition sessions showed an increase in the patients' indices of positive participation (e.g., singing or music-related movements, and smiles) similar to that observed in the passive condition sessions. Social raters (140 psychology students) favored the active condition on a six-item questionnaire dealing, among others, with conditions' suitability, respect of patients' dignity and independence, and practicality.

Conclusion: An active music stimulation condition can be viable, effective, and socially preferable.