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Wellness April/May 2021 By Sarah Watts The Positive Benefits of Music for People with Dementia Virtual sing-alongs engage people with dementia. Illustration by Sam Island. Just before 1 p.m. on a sunny Friday afternoon in February, two dozen members of a band in Southern California log on to Zoom.
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Oct 16, 2024 · So, music is likely to continue to be a useful medical treatment for people with dementia. But based on what we know so far, it's important that it comes from the patient's own music collection – and is used alongside other management techniques such as using drugs that can slow the progression of dementia or help manage symptoms to support self-care and wellbeing.
- Overview
- What is music therapy?
- What are active and passive music interventions?
- How does music help people with Alzheimer’s or dementia?
- What kind of music helps people with Alzheimer’s or dementia?
- Are there disadvantages to music therapy for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia?
- Takeaway
Several studies support the use of music therapy and other musical activities to help reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms. Different types of music interventions have been shown to affect different symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease that negatively affects memory, learning, and behavior. According to the National Institute of Aging, more than 6 million U.S. adults have Alzheimer’s.
There’s no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Treatment typically involves taking several medications to reduce symptoms or slow down the progression of the disease. Some people may also benefit from alternative treatments like acupuncture and aromatherapy.
Research suggests that music also positively affects the health of people with Alzheimer’s disease. It may also help delay the onset of Alzheimer’s in people at risk.
Whether under the guidance of a certified music therapist or as part of a group activity, music interventions can help reduce symptoms and improve life for people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.
Alzheimer’s vs. dementia
Music therapy is an evidence-based approach that uses music to improve health outcomes. A qualified music therapist can create a custom program to help you or a loved one with physical, emotional, social, or cognitive needs.
According to the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), music therapy can help:
•memory
•expression and communication
•stress management
•pain relief
Active music interventions
Active music therapy or interventions engage you in creating music. Examples of active interventions include: •drum circles •group singing •playing a musical instrument •composing music These activities often involve a movement component. If movement isn’t regularly a part of the musical activity, a music therapist or activity leader might add simple movements. Research from 2022 suggests that the element of movement may increase the therapeutic effect. A 2021 study found that active interventions were better than passive interventions at improving cognition, behavior, and motor function in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Music listening interventions
Passive, or receptive, interventions involve listening to music. The goal is to have the music evoke an emotional response or stimulate memory. A 2018 study found that passive interventions were better than active interventions at reducing anxiety, agitation, and behavior problems in people with dementia.
Can people with Alzheimer’s participate in music?
The Alzheimer’s Association notes that people in the early and middle stages of Alzheimer’s can participate in and benefit from musical activities. A 2022 research review states that people with Alzheimer’s can learn and remember new songs. It may be more challenging in the later stages, but they may still be able to tap or sing along to music. Was this helpful?
Beynon comments that singing in the Intergenerational Choir Project provided people with Alzheimer’s “spiritual and aesthetic support which in turn reinforces better health and well-being.” She notes that participants felt energized and showed reduced symptoms for 2 to 24 hours after each session.
Medical research seems to confirm Beynon’s observations that music interventions can help in the following ways.
There isn’t one style or genre of music that helps everyone with Alzheimer’s or dementia. The AMTA notes that several styles can be helpful. A qualified music therapist will consider your or your loved one’s preferences, circumstances, and treatment goals when deciding which music to include as part of therapy.
Still, a 2017 review of clinical trials that used music therapy does reveal some preferences. Active interventions tend to involve music familiar to the person with Alzheimer’s. These could be songs from their culture, familiar classical tunes (like Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy”), or familiar popular music.
Beynon also thinks it’s good to include new music. “We used popular music primarily from the 1940s through to the 1990s to promote recollection as well as retrieval of memories, but also included choral music they were unlikely to know to promote new learning.”
Familiar songs explored in the Intergenerational Choir Project included:
•“You’ll Never Walk Alone”
•“Moon River”
Like most therapies, music therapy does come with some risks. Some people may experience increased anxiety from active participation in music.
Selecting the wrong music may also cause listening to yield negative results. Possible risks include:
•overstimulation
•anxiety or confusion
Research suggests that music interventions can positively affect the quality of life of some people with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Individualized interventions led by a music therapist are typically more effective. But other interventions can also be successful with thoughtful planning and expert leadership.
Musical activities can be active or passive. Active interventions, which involve creating or reacting to music, may yield better results than passive interventions, which involve only listening to music.
Aug 8, 2023 · Music positively impacts the brain and triggers the release of chemicals. Music has powerful effects on the brain because it releases the chemicals that make us feel good. It triggers emotions, which may promote the creation of new neurons in the brain and help improve memory and mood in people with dementia.
People also ask
Can music help people with Alzheimer's?
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Can virtual sing-alongs help people with dementia?
Can personalised playlists re-awaken the brain of people with dementia?
Can a music therapist help with dementia?
Research has shown that music from different periods of our lives that sparks memories and positive emotions is the most powerful type of music for people living with dementia. Having a personal playlist ready to use at times of distress, or when doing routine tasks that might have become difficult, can ease pressure and also offer respite for families and caregivers.
