The Impact of Music Therapy on Dementia Patients

Posted by Enlivant support center on October 19, 2017
A song you haven’t heard in years comes on the radio, and you know all the words. Suddenly, you feel happy. That’s the power of music! Music and Alzheimer’s go hand in hand. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, music stimulates brain activity and releases dopamine. Musical aptitude and music appreciation are two abilities that remain long after other abilities have passed, which is why music is an excellent way to reach beyond the disease and reach the person. 

As music can evoke emotion in even the most advanced of Alzheimer’s patients, it can be hugely beneficial as a form of therapy. This stimulation can help improve the lives of patients with dementia in the following ways.      

Memory Recall: If your loved one is struggling with dementia, listening to his/her favorite music from years ago can trigger memories of lyrics and experiences that are connected to the music. 

Entertainment: Patients with dementia can tap their foot and hum along to a familiar tune, even if they don’t recall the words. 

Improved Mood: Music can enhance a senior’s wellbeing by reducing agitation, anxiety and depression. 

If your loved one has dementia, consider making a music track featuring songs from their lifetime or watching musicals like The Sound of Music or The Wizard of Oz. Music for dementia patients is a great way to bring joy and transport them back to those happy times and memories. Music therapy has a long history of positive impact and is an excellent way to help dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. Learn more ways music can benefit seniors.