Decreasing Delirium Through Music in Critically Ill Older Adults

Critically ill older adults admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) are at a higher risk to develop delirium, which predisposes them to longer lengths of ICU and hospital stay, increased in-patient mortality, and higher risk of new acquired cognitive impairment and dementia. Music listening is a non-pharmacological intervention that holds potential to decrease ICU delirium. The investigators propose a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of a seven-day slow-tempo music intervention on the primary outcome of delirium/coma free days among mechanically ventilated, critically ill older adults.