Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are common, highly disabling conditions frequently requiring residential care. This exploratory proof-of-concept study aimed to determine if the specialised Music Engagement Program (MEP) was sustainable, acceptable, and effective in improving quality of life, emotional wellbeing, and depression symptoms in this population. Sixteen residents, six staff members, and three family and community members took part in the evaluation of the MEP for people living with dementia in a residential aged-care nursing home in Canberra, Australia. Multiple methods were used. Quantitative evaluation assessed residents’ depression symptoms (Cornell scale) at pre- and post-intervention, and emotional wellbeing pre- and post-session. Qualitative interviews with staff, and family and community members addressed the MEP’s acceptability and potential sustainability. Results showed residents’ mean depression scores were reduced from pre- to post-intervention (p = .039; d_z = 0.72). Interviews established multiple benefits for residents including improved mood, calmness, and reduced aggression. However, staff did not believe it was feasible to continue the MEP sessions beyond the trial period without an external facilitator, citing potential difficulties in adhering to internal activities due to time constraints. This pilot study provides encouraging preliminary evidence for the MEP’s acceptability and potential effectiveness for improving depression and wellbeing in this group.

阿尔茨海默病和痴呆症是常见的、高度致残的疾病，经常需要住院护理。这项探索性的概念验证研究旨在确定专门的音乐参与计划 (MEP) 在改善该人群的生活质量、情绪健康和抑郁症状方面是否可持续、可接受和有效。16 名居民、6 名工作人员以及 3 名家庭和社区成员参与了对澳大利亚堪培拉住宅养老院中痴呆症患者的 MEP 评估。使用了多种方法。定量评估评估了干预前后居民的抑郁症状（康奈尔量表），以及会前和会后的情绪健康。与员工的定性访谈，家庭和社区成员讨论了 MEP 的可接受性和潜在的可持续性。结果显示居民的平均抑郁评分从干预前到干预后都有所降低（p = .039；d _z = 0.72）。访谈为居民提供了多种好处，包括改善情绪、冷静和减少攻击性。然而，工作人员认为，在没有外部协调人的情况下，在试用期之后继续举行 MEP 会议是不可行的，理由是由于时间限制，在坚持内部活动方面存在潜在困难。这项试点研究为 MEP 的可接受性和潜在有效性提供了令人鼓舞的初步证据，以改善该群体的抑郁症和幸福感。