The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of Korean version of
the Music-Based Evaluation of Cognitive Functioning(K-MBECF), which was translated
from the revised version of MBECF, as a music therapy assessment tool for cognitive
function of older adults with dementia. The K-MBECF has been developed in
consideration of the cultural characteristics of Korea, after discussion with clinical
experts and two preliminary studies. Both K-MBECF and K-MMSE tests for fifty older
adults with dementia were performed during the period from Aug 21, 2012 to Feb 18,
2013. The results revealed that high concurrent validity was found between K-MBECF
and K-MMSE with Pearson correlation coefficient value of .745. The examination of
corresponding score distribution of K-MBECF according to K-MMSE category indicated
that the severe group showed significantly lower scores compared to mild or moderate
groups. The item reliability of K-MBECF showed a high internal consistency with
Cronbach's α value of .833, and the inter-scorer reliability was 93%. The results
obtained from this study suggested that the K-MBECF could be used as one of music
therapy assessment tools for cognitive function of older adults with dementia in Korea.