Effects of Personalized Music on People Living with Major Neurocognitive Disorder and Care Staff: A Mixed-Methods Multiple-Case Study Conducted in a Quebec Seniors’ Home

This research project, “Effects of Personalized Music on People Living with Major Neurocognitive Disorder and Care Staff: A Mixed-Methods Multiple-Case Study Conducted in a Quebec Seniors’ Home,” aims to better understand the impact of a personalized music intervention on individuals living with major neurocognitive disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, as well as on the care staff who support them in their daily lives.

Conducted within the Camelia Living Lab at the Sainte-Foy Seniors’ and Alternative Home (Maison des aînés et alternative) in Quebec, the study explores the potential of personalized music as a non-pharmacological intervention to enhance residents’ well-being. Each participant receives an individualized playlist developed from their musical preferences, life history, and meaningful memories, with the goal of promoting positive emotional responses and strengthening their sense of identity.

Using a mixed-methods longitudinal design, the study examines changes in behavioral and psychological symptoms commonly associated with major neurocognitive disorders, such as agitation, anxiety, and wandering. It also investigates the effects of the intervention on care staff, including their experiences providing care and their interactions with residents.

The findings suggest that personalized music can help reduce behavioral and psychological symptoms while fostering a range of positive responses, including relaxation, singing, dancing, smiling, and the recollection of meaningful memories. Care staff also report a positive perception of the intervention, although they identify certain implementation challenges, such as managing equipment and finding sufficient time and resources to integrate the program into daily routines.

Funded by the François-et-Rachel-Routhier Fund of Université Laval, the Rolland-R.-Tougas Fund of Université Laval, the Institute on Aging and Social Participation of Seniors (IVPSA) at Université Laval, the Centre of Excellence on Aging of Quebec (CEVQ), and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), this project represents an important step toward the broader implementation of personalized music programs in seniors’ homes across Quebec. It contributes to the advancement of innovative person-centred practices and to improving the quality of life of people living with major neurocognitive disorders.