MUSIC THERAPY FOR DEMENTIA,
STROKE & PARKINSONS
Music Therapy supports individuals in dementia care by providing opportunities for connection and reminiscence. Many areas of the brain related to musical memory remain undamaged due to Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Music has the ability to evoke positive moods, relaxation, as well as increase engagement between individuals. It can also help maintain motor skills. Music therapists work together with family, staff, and care partners to find the best music for the desired goals.
The Research and the Science
Although several portions of a person’s brain are damaged when they develop dementia or Alzheimer’s, music is still powerful Music is unique because it sparks responses from different regions of the brain.
You know how a particular song can come on your radio while you’re driving and all of a sudden you are exported to a specific time, place and even smell?
The same thing happens for your loved one when you play music they enjoyed back in the day. And in this case the music can cause them to break out of their shell and interact like you’ve never seen them.
In 2012, researchers from the University College London showed that over the course of 263 research studies show that there is a link between music therapy and an improvement in mood and behavior of dementia patients. This was reported in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychology.
A study among moderate to severe Alzheimer’s patients in Iceland showed that music successfully reduced aggressiveness and anxiety. The effects of the music however went away after the music therapy was stopped for four weeks. This indicates that if you choose to use music therapy for your loved one, it has to be continuous to see positive effects.
What We Can Address:
-
Stimulate physical and cognitive functions
-
Promote reminiscence
-
Decrease isolation
-
Decrease stress and anxiety
-
Promote relaxation
-
Enhance engagement and connection
-
Promote feelings of self-worth
-
Enhance the quality of life
Supporting Research and Additional Articles
What You May Experience:
Here are some examples of what can be addressed during your music therapy session with your dedicated therapist:
-
Active listening to familiar and preferred songs for positive mood states
-
Purposeful singing to maintain cognition and memory
-
Music interactions to promote social connections
-
Guided relaxation to ease stress and anxiety
-
Movement to music to boost mood and engage motor skills
