In the realm of memory and emotion, few things hold as much power as music. It has the remarkable ability to transport us back in time, evoking long-forgotten memories and stirring deep-seated emotions.
For individuals living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, this connection to music can be truly transformative.
New research shows the astounding effect that music has on the behavior, mood, and quality of life of patients who appeared to no longer have much of a connection to themselves and the world.
Some people, who were previously unable to speak, proceeded to sing and dance to the music. Others were able to dive deep back into their memories and recount when and where they had listened to a particular song or style of music.
One researcher even recounted working with a patient who did not typically recognize their spouse of 65 years. When the researcher played the couple’s wedding song, the individual would recognize their spouse once again and dance.
Understanding the Connection
Music has a unique way of bypassing the cognitive barriers often associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Even when other forms of communication may falter, the melodies and rhythms of familiar songs can still resonate deeply within the brain, triggering memories and emotions that may otherwise remain dormant.
Researchers believe that listening to and performing music reactivates areas of the brain associated with memory, reasoning, speech, emotion, and reward.
When individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease listen to music from their past, it can stimulate the neural pathways associated with long-term memory, allowing them to access moments and experiences that may have seemed lost forever.
Harnessing the Therapeutic Potential
Recognizing the therapeutic potential of music, caregivers and healthcare professionals have increasingly turned to music-based interventions to support individuals living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Music therapy programs, personalized playlists, and live music performances have become integral components of dementia care, offering a range of benefits for patients and their families.
One of the most profound effects of music therapy is its ability to improve mood and reduce agitation in individuals with dementia. Listening to familiar songs can evoke feelings of happiness, calmness, and nostalgia, helping to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
In some cases, music therapy has even been shown to decrease the need for psychotropic medications, offering a safe and non-pharmacological approach to symptom management.
At Senior Star, we have a variety of programs designed to support our residents with dementia. Music and Memory is a support program that uses music as a way to stimulate the brain and engage with residents through custom playlists.
Incorporating music into daily life can be a huge benefit to our residents. We also encourage families and friends to use music during their visits.
The Alzheimer’s Association offers these tips when selecting music for a person with dementia:
- Identify music that’s familiar and enjoyable to the person. If possible, let the person choose the music.
- Choose a source of music that isn’t interrupted by commercials, which can cause confusion.
- Use music to create the mood you want. For example, a tranquil piece of music can help create a calm environment, while a faster-paced song from someone’s childhood may boost spirit and evoke happy memories.
- Encourage movement (clapping, dancing) to add to the enjoyment.
- Avoid sensory overload; eliminate competing noises by shutting windows and doors and by turning off the television. Make sure the volume of the music is not too loud.
Looking to the Future
As our understanding of the relationship between music and memory continues to evolve, so too does the use of music as a therapeutic tool for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients.
At Senior Star we are committed to finding the latest technology and programs to help residents. From our Destination Stations and Lucynt Magic Table to our Snoezelen® Multi-Sensory Environment and Purposeful Movements, it is our goal to offer moments of joy, comfort, and connection for those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
By embracing music as a central component of dementia care, we can honor the unique experiences and identities of individuals affected by these conditions, fostering a sense of dignity, purpose, and well-being in the face of memory loss and cognitive decline.
Schedule a tour or contact us to learn more.