Music therapy increases serum melatonin levels in patients with Alzheimer's disease

Context Music therapy is known to have healing and relaxing effects. Althou gh these effects appear to be mediated by release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones, the specific neurohormonal systems involved have not been fu lly investigated Objective To assess the effects of a music therapy intervention on concentr ations of melatonin, norepinephrine, epinephrine, serotonin, and prolactin in the blood of a group of patients with Alzheimer's disease. Design Blood samples were obtained before initialing the therapy, immediate ly at the end of 4 weeks of music therapy sessions, and at 6 weeks follow-u p after cessation of the sessions. Setting Miami Veterans Administration Medical Center, Miami, Fla. Patients 20 male inpatients with Alzheimer's disease. Intervention 30- to 40-minute morning sessions of music therapy 5 times per week for 4 weeks. Main Outcome Measures Changes in melatonin, norepinephrine, epinephrine, se rotonin, and prolactin following music therapy. Results Melatonin concentration in serum increased significantly after musi c therapy and was found to increase further at 6 weeks follow-up. A signifi cant increase was found between baseline values and data recorded after the music therapy sessions as well as at 6 weeks follow-up. Norepinephrine and epinephrine levels increased significantly after 4 weeks of music therapy but returned to pretherapy levels at 6 weeks follow-up. Serum concentration of prolactin and platelet serotonin levels remained unchanged after 4 week s of music therapy and at 6 weeks follow-up. Conclusion Increased levels of melatonin following music therapy may have c ontributed to patients' relaxed and calm mood.