• The role of music therapy and artistic interventions on improving episodic memory and quality of life in elderly with vascular dementia
  • Sara Mortazavinia,1 Neda Pashaei,2 Hesam Soufbaf sarjami,3,*
    1. MSC student in medical surgical nursing, Nursing and Midwifery school, Kashan University of Medical Sciences,Kashan, Iran.
    2. Department of Nursing, Urmia Branch, Islamic Azad University, Urmia, Iran.
    3. Medical Student, Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran


  • Introduction: Vascular dementia (VaD), a prevalent dementia subtype in elderly individuals, primarily impairs episodic memory and reduces quality of life. Emerging evidence supports non-pharmacological interventions, notably music therapy and arts-based activities, as effective approaches to enhance cognitive function and well-being. These interventions stimulate neural networks involved in memory, emotion, and social cognition while fostering neuroplasticity and neurogenesis. Through multimodal sensory stimulation and emotional regulation, they target episodic memory deficits and mitigate psychological and social consequences of VaD. Serving as complementary or alternative therapies to pharmacological treatments, this systematic review critically examines current evidence on their efficacy, strengths, and limitations in addressing cognitive and emotional challenges in this population.
  • Methods: This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines. Databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for studies published from 2013 to 2023, using terms such as “music therapy,” “artistic interventions,” “episodic memory,” “quality of life,” “elderly,” and “vascular dementia.” Eligible studies investigated the effects of music-based or artistic activities on cognitive function and quality of life in elderly adults diagnosed with VaD. Extracted data were analyzed and synthesized qualitatively.
  • Results: Findings indicate that both music therapy and artistic interventions (e.g., painting, dance, drama) are associated with improvements in episodic memory, emotional wellbeing, and quality of life in elderly individuals with VaD. Regular participation in these interventions enhanced recall, orientation, and social engagement, while also reducing neuropsychiatric symptoms such as depression and agitation. Heterogeneity exists regarding intervention duration and assessment tools, but positive trends were consistently reported. Moreover, caregivers noted improved communication and mood in participants.
  • Conclusion: Music therapy and artistic interventions show promising benefits in enhancing episodic memory and quality of life for elderly with vascular dementia. Large-scale, randomized studies are recommended to establish standardized protocols and optimize therapeutic outcomes for this population.
  • Keywords: Music therapy,Artistic interventions,Episodic memory,Quality of life,Vascular dementia,Elderly