Music Therapy and Dementia

Music has always been known to have a powerful effect on our emotions and memories.

Music has always been known to have a powerful effect on our emotions and memories. It can stir up our deepest feelings and transport us to different times in our lives. But what if music could also help those suffering from cognitive impairment and dementia? With the help of music therapy, it has been found that music can have a positive impact on seniors with dementia and improve their overall quality of life.

1. What is music therapy?

Music therapy is a type of therapy that uses music to improve the physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being of patients. It is a non-invasive treatment that has been found to be effective in improving the quality of life for seniors with dementia. Music and Dementia go hand in hand.

2. How does music therapy benefit seniors with cognitive impairment?

Music has a special ability to stimulate our brains and evoke memories. For seniors with dementia, this can be particularly beneficial as it can help them reconnect with their past and their identity. Music therapy can also help improve mood, reduce agitation and anxiety, and even improve communication and socialization skills.

According to Andy Tubman, Founder of SingFit, singing will increase levels of cortisol which helps to reduce stress and anxiety. It also raises ocytocin levels. This is known as the feel good hormone. Having more ocytocin will lift the mood.

3. What are some examples of music therapy techniques used in senior care?

There are a number of different techniques used in music therapy for seniors with dementia. These can include singing, playing instruments, listening to music, and even dancing. Music therapists work with seniors to find the right type of music and technique that will be most effective for them.

Andy Tubman spoke to Kim Hegwood in a recent podcast. In the Life Happens podcast he talked about how music therapy helped bring his comatose friend back to life. Andy said " He came out of the coma mouthing the words to "Wish You Were Here." The experience led Andy on a quest to help more people with music.

SingFit uses music to engage seniors with dementia and improve their cognitive function. SingFit is a music therapy program that combines singing, movement, and reminiscence therapy to help seniors with dementia strengthen their memory and improve their mood. The program has been found to be particularly effective in reducing depression and anxiety among seniors with cognitive impairment.

4. How can music therapy be incorporated into senior care facilities?

Many senior care facilities have recognized the benefits of music therapy and have begun to incorporate it into their programs. This can include regular music therapy sessions, sing-alongs, and even personalized playlists for residents.

Some assisted living communities have found that adding music to the late afternoon routine can help lessen the effects of sundowning. Studies have shown that music therapy can have a positive impact on seniors with cognitive impairment, including those experiencing sundowning. By using music to stimulate the brain and evoke positive emotions, music therapy can help reduce the anxiety, agitation, and confusion that often accompany sundowning.

In senior care settings, music therapy can be easily incorporated into daily activities and routines, making it a convenient and accessible option for caregivers and family members. So why not try incorporating some of your loved one's favorite tunes into their daily routine and see the positive effects that music therapy can have on their overall well-being?

Conclusion

Music therapy is a powerful tool that can have a positive impact on seniors with cognitive impairment and dementia. It has the ability to improve mood, reduce agitation, and even help reconnect seniors with their past. By incorporating music therapy into senior care facilities, we can help improve the quality of life for seniors with dementia and provide them with the care and support they need.