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There are various nonpharmacological therapies available for elderly people with dementia, and these can improve quality of life and the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) that appear throughout the progression of the disease. Since a substantial number of effects have been reported for music therapy, we focused on this nonpharmacological intervention. Generally, musical therapy is provided collectively in facilities. However, the music used in this context may not consider the preferences and music abilities of each person. Therefore, in this study we created made-to-order music CDs that accounted for each participant's musical preferences and abilities. Utilizing the CDs, we conducted an intervention study of music therapy using a video phone (Skype) that elderly people with dementia can use at home. An advantage of conducting music therapy for individuals with dementia using a video phone is that those who have difficulty going to the hospital or participating in dementia-related therapy groups can participate in therapy in a familiar place. The results of this intervention showed that participants demonstrated signs of improvement as measured by the smile degree(Smile scan)and Behavior Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease (BEHAVE-AD) scale.

Background: The aim of this study was to elucidate the relationship between dentition statuses in elderly individuals with dementia, and sleep disturbances, and BPSD, to contribute to the existing knowledge regarding non-pharmacological interventions for sleep disturbances and BPSD. Method: We mailed questionnaires to nurse section of psychiatric hospitals, where many patients with dementia were hospitalized, selected randomly in Japan. We requested nurses and caregivers who worked at those psychiatric hospitals to complete a questionnaire about the age, sex, number of teeth, good sleep or sleep disturbance and BPSD of the inpatients with dementia. Results: The subjects were 373 patients (245 females) patients who had been diagnosed with dementia (Alzheimer’s disease, 64%; vascular dementia, 31%; Lewy body disease, 4%; and Pick’s disease, 1%). Dentition status were associated with Sleep disturbances(0.000**). Among BPSD, sleep disturbances, agitation, repetitive vocalization, and aggression were related to ≥ 5 other BPSD. Conclusions: The present study suggests that a potential nonpharmacological intervention for sleep disturbances involves the teeth of elderly individuals with dementia, i.e., the establishment of a sleep pattern by increasing the arousal level through masticatory activity. The relationship between BPSD categories is the key to non-pharmacological intervention. Thus, management of sleep disturbances is essential for the interventions for BPSD.