Cost-effectiveness of a music therapy intervention for people living with dementia: a model for a UK-based economic evaluation

OBJECTIVES: Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is widely used in UK dementia care to support cognitive and social functioning. Music therapy (MT) also shows cognitive benefits for people living with dementia (PLwD) but is not routinely available through the NHS due to limited cost-effectiveness evidence. This study evaluated the combined use of CST and MT compared to CST alone, providing a realistic assessment of the added value of MT within standard care. METHOD: A decision analytic model was constructed using a cost utility framework with a healthcare perspective, over a three-month time horizon. It compared CST+MT with CST alone for community-dwelling people with moderate dementia. The clinical effectiveness outcome was cognitive improvement measured by MMSE score. Model parameters were informed by existing literature and clinical trial data where available. RESULTS: Over a three-month period, MT+CST was more effective than CST alone in improving cognitive function but was not cost-effective due to higher initial costs, including setup and equipment. However, when cognitive benefits were assumed to persist over six months, CST+MT became cost-effective. CONCLUSION: MT combined with CST may offer cost-effective cognitive benefits for PLwD over a six-month period. The model provides valuable evidence for decision-makers considering the broader adoption of MT.