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Research
suggests that listening to or singing songs can provide
emotional and behavioral benefits for people with
Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Musical
memories are often preserved in Alzheimer’s disease because
key brain areas linked to musical memory are relatively
undamaged by the disease.
For example,
music can:
— Relieve
stress
— Reduce
anxiety and depression
— Reduce
agitation
Music can also
benefit caregivers by reducing anxiety and distress,
lightening the mood, and providing a way to connect with loved
ones who have Alzheimer’s disease — especially those who
have difficulty communicating.
If you’d like
to use music to help a loved one who has Alzheimer’s
disease, consider these tips:
— Think about
your loved one’s preferences.
What kind of
music does your loved one enjoy? What music evokes memories of
happy times in his or her life? Involve family and friends by
asking them to suggest songs or make playlists.
— Set the
mood.
To calm your
loved one during mealtime or a morning hygiene routine, play
music or sing a song that’s soothing. When you’d like to
boost your loved one’s mood, use more upbeat or faster paced
music.
— Avoid
overstimulation.
When playing
music, eliminate competing noises. Turn off the TV. Shut the
door. Set the volume based on your loved one’s hearing
ability. Opt for music that isn’t interrupted by
commercials, which can cause confusion.
— Encourage
movement.
Help your loved
one to clap along or tap his or her feet to the beat. If
possible, consider dancing with your loved one.
— Sing along.
Singing along
to music together with your loved one can boost the mood and
enhance your relationship. Some early studies also suggest
musical memory functions differently than other types of
memory, and singing can help stimulate unique memories. —
Pay attention to your loved one’s response.
If your loved
one seems to enjoy particular songs, play them often. If your
loved one reacts negatively to a particular song or type of
music, choose something else.
Keep in mind
that music might not affect your loved one’s cognitive
status or quality of life. Further research, to better
understand the precise effects of music and Alzheimer’s
disease is needed.
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