Abstract
Background:|Alzheimer’s disease is becoming more prevalent as the elderly population grows. There is an increasing need for interventions to reduce adverse symptoms of the disease for this population. Occupational therapists work with people with Alzheimer's disease frequently, including auditory-based interventions.|Purpose:|This paper critically examined six articles relating to the effectiveness of auditory-based interventions in reducing neuropsychiatric symptoms for adults with Alzheimer's disease.|Methods:|The researchers utilized six databases to complete the search: SAGE Journals, CINAHL, Google Scholar, PubMed and MEDLINE. The rationale for the articles chosen was based off the highest level of evidence. The first two articles selected were Level IA systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials, due to them having the highest level of evidence. The next four articles selected were Level IB randomized controlled trials articles, due to them having the next highest level of evidence.|Results:|The results from these articles found that auditory-based interventions were an effective intervention for reducing neuropsychiatric symptoms for adults with Alzheimer’s disease. Some of these results include a significant difference in the quality of life from music therapy when using a keyboard and preferred song choice, significant improvements in mental health and dementia severity levels, agitation levels, behavioral and psychological symptoms (Cho, 2018; Chu et al., 2013; Fusar-Poli et al., 2017; Livingston et al., 2014; Sakmoto et al., 2011; Sung et al., 2011).|Conclusion:|There were numerous limitations noted throughout the articles. Further research is needed on auditory-based interventions and the effectiveness of reducing neuropsychiatric symptoms for adults with Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, more research is needed to determine what frequency, duration, and settings for intervention are best