Magic with Music

By Deanna Bookout

While modern medicine is the keystone of treating seniors living with dementia and Alzheimer’s, some professional health care providers may find that there are more creative forms of therapy that could help patients with these conditions. Recently, a number of communities specializing in senior care have been using music as an essential component of their dementia and Alzheimer’s treatment plans. By looking at the benefits of this growing trend, you may find the pros so persuading that you opt to incorporate music therapy into your own patient care practices.

In general, music is believed to have the potential to improve the day-to-day functions of senior citizens. Many people maintain that playing music in some capacity can promote memory recall, reduce stress, encourage engagement and increase individuals’ ability to focus. However, this is just the beginning when it comes to the benefits that this artistic therapy has to offer, and people can experience some perks simply through listening.

According to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, the positive effects of integrating music into therapy programs for patients with dementia – no matter the stage – are innumerable. The source reported that exposure to music will help individuals manage their emotions, leaving them with a sense of calmness and a quieted mind.

How does music therapy work?
The motivation behind music therapy is to invoke recognition or a response from dementia or Alzheimer’s sufferers. In terms of memory care, a patient is able to recognize a link between the piece of music being played and familiar memories, events, places and people.

In addition, when patients are exposed to extensive music therapy programs, the music can actually have a positive effect on the brain. Due to changes the music elicits in brain activity, music therapy can reduce depression, lower aggression and elevate a patient’s mood.

Music promotes agitation management.
As cognitive decline progresses, it can be more and more difficult for seniors to control their emotions, and agitation tends to take over. This is especially the case  for those who have lost their ability to communicate effectively, including nonverbal patients. Without the possibility of voicing their thoughts or feelings to others, these individuals can understandably become overcome with frustration.

On top of this, for patients with Alzheimer’s, the brain struggles to process outside stimuli at the same rate as it previously had. For this reason, nearly everything in seniors’ surroundings can overwhelm them, increasing irritability. Music therapy can be used to quell agitation and make negative emotions subside. If patients listen to so-called “sedative music,” which is slow and soft with little to no percussion, any anxiety that they are feeling can slowly dissipate. Additionally, by helping people with dementia participate in making music, you may be able to redirect their focus so that they are no longer aware of any agitation they may be feeling. Have these seniors concentrate on singing, moving to a rhythm or using instruments to follow along with a beat. Doing so will be a distraction and will prevent them from growing frustrated.

Playing music can improve engagement.
If you don’t have any instruments on hand, then you should simply plug in your mp3 players and let the therapy begin. By allowing patients to select their own songs to play and letting those individuals listen, care providers hope to boost recall and foster patients’ abilities to connect with the environment.

Seniors who have participated in music programs have been able to respond to questions after listening to their music of choice. In some instances, patients have started singing portions of the songs they select. Such breakthroughs with people normally in catatonic states shows promise that, through music, patients can still come through and connect with the world.

Even though music is not a cure, it has the potential to increase the patients’ level of engagement.

Long-term care and Alzheimer’s care facilities are quickly discovering the therapeutic value of music therapy. The simple introduction of familiar tunes into the daily routine of a dementia or Alzheimer’s patient can produce a calming effect. When combatting a disease that causes so much frustration, helplessness and pain, the introduction of music therapy can restore at least a little bit of quality to a person’s life.

Music and Memory Program at Pacifica
Progressive memory loss. Dementia. Alzheimer’s. These can all be very overwhelming conditions. We understand, and you can rest assured that our caring staff treats residents with the dignity and respect they deserve. From a fully personalized care plan to our compassionate staff, Pacifica not only puts your mind at ease, but takes the time to enrich the lives of residents facing these issues.

We invite you to visit a community near you and inquire about our Music and Memory Program. This innovative approach uses an iPod loaded with a personalized music playlist to help stimulate the mind. Many of our residents have experienced wonderful results, such as recovering lost memories and even improving cognitive function.

Call today to learn more about the Music and Memory Program, and others available at Pacifica 239-677-3083.