Music and Alzheimer’s Disease
I’m like most people when it comes to music. I love it. I listen to music driving in my car, working in the office and while I’m relaxing at home. It’s the “chill pill” I take that helps me better cope with the stress and anxiety that happens in my everyday life.
As a home health professional, I recognized long ago the therapeutic effect music can have on people coping with illnesses and especially those suffering from memory loss. People afflicted with Alzheimer’s are particularly receptive to power and magic of music because research has revealed the parts of the brain that recalls musical memories are generally left untouched by the disease.
Music Is Medicine For The Mind
My home care company has worked with families struggling with the challenges of memory loss for many years. We make a purposeful effort to educate our Caregivers and family members on many facets of this insidious and progressive disease including ways to manage the severe mood swings that can occur. Alzheimer’s patients are particularly prone to sudden bursts of excitement or agitation and we’ve learned from first-hand experience that music can be one of the most effective ways to deal with mood swings when they happen.
Our Caregivers are trained to ask questions about a loved one’s music preferences and whenever possible, we encourage the creation of a playlist of songs that were part of the happy times in his or her life. It’s important information to have because people afflicted with Alzheimer’s Disease respond favorably to their preferred music and it can help reduce the agitation and depression they might feel. The right music can be a very effective, non-chemical medicine for the mind that renders tangible benefits that drugs simply cannot provide.
Use Music To Better Manage Symptoms
Music is helpful in other ways when dealing with Alzheimer’s. Clapping hands, tapping feet and even dancing when possible helps promote physical activity which contributes to an improved state of wellness. Singing to the music can help elevate moods and stimulate positive memories that might otherwise remain locked up in their minds. Music that’s soothing can put your loved one at ease during mealtime and personal hygiene routines, making each one a more pleasant experience for everyone involved.
People battling memory loss have difficulty focusing, so it’s advisable turn off televisions and close outside doors so there are no audible distractions. When the patient is reacting positively to the music, try to keep conversations softly spoken and limited so he or she can concentrate better on the sounds they enjoy.
Compiling an Alzheimer’s musical playlist is not an exact science. A song you think will generate a positive reaction might have the opposite effect, so pay close attention to how your loved one is responding to the various tunes played. Eventually, you’ll be able to identify what music works best in any given situation.
There is no cure yet for Alzheimer’s. While medical science continues it’s search for answers, the magic of music will help make the symptoms of the disease more manageable.
An elderly man is playing guitar
