Using Personalized Music Playlists for Patients With Dementia as a Teaching Innovation.

Nursing students need innovative educational approaches to bridge generational and cultural differences and improve communication skills with patients who are cognitively impaired. An individualized music and memory intervention for older adults with dementia and communication issues was implemented. A review of weekly student journals provided information regarding the use of the approach as an alternative therapy and benefit for students. The usefulness of the music and memory program as an innovative learning tool has widespread applicability to various health care settings.