Young-onset dementia comprises a wide array of neurodegenerative conditions diagnosed before the age of 65. Non-pharmacological approaches, such as music therapy, can have lasting impacts on the cognitive function and emotional wellbeing of people and families living with dementia. This study aims to create a tailored program of musical interventions for a group of patients with young-onset dementia in San Jose, Costa Rica.

We conducted a literature review on the use of musical interventions for the treatment of dementia. After that, we assessed the demographic of the population of the Young Onset Dementia Clinic and the resources available for our program. With that information, we started organizing evaluation and intervention sessions for the treatment of dementia in the setting of a public hospital in a middle income country.

A program was created comprising 12 sessions: an initial and final clinical/neurological evaluation as well as neuropsychological assessment, a visit to identify musical affinity, review expectations and sign informed consents, and 9 sessions focused on musical interventions such as listening to familiar music, dancing and singing.

This study was able to create a proposal for an individualized program based on musical interventions for patients with young-onset dementia in the setting of a public hospital in a middle income country. The next steps of this investigation include the implementation of the program over a 3-month period to evaluate its impact and viability.