It’s well-known that music is a universal language – one that speaks to us all on a primal level. It creates the soundtrack to many of our days, including some of our most cherished moments, and also has the ability to both lift our spirits and soothe us too. And, while music is an important part of many people’s lives, the benefits of music therapy for dementia patients is especially poignant. Tapping into memories and emotions on a different level, it can be a powerful tool for those living with dementia and its symptoms.
We often have music therapy sessions in our care homes in Plymouth, and we want to share some of the benefits of music therapy for dementia patients with you.
According to NHS England, there is a lot of research to indicate that music can both elevate mood and trigger memories. Particularly significant when linked to extra special occasions, such as songs from childhood, wedding dances, special celebrations and so on, music can transport the listener to particular periods or places in time – even evoking the same feelings experienced in that moment. For example, have you ever heard a song played on the radio and found yourself reminiscing about a happy time spent with friends, a holiday somewhere beautiful, or a dance in the arms of a loved one? That’s what music can do.
As such, music is an extremely powerful means of connecting people with their pasts and creating a sentimental link to significant moments in time. What’s more, as well as providing a cherished portal to times gone by, music can also have a very emotive effect in the present. Listening to a favourite song, or hearing a loved one’s favourite song, can instantly trigger feel-good endorphins, reduce heart rate and blood pressure, relax muscles, and even help to manage depression, anxiety, and pain. Be it creating music, singing to music, dancing to music, or simply listening to music – the effects of music therapy for dementia patients are just as powerful.
If you are considering ways to help someone who is living with dementia, then music therapy can provide an invaluable resource.
Depending on the situation, music can help to:
- Focus attention and concentration
- Improve cognitive function
- Create a link to special memories
- Encourage topics of conversation
- Express feelings and soothe emotions
- Assist both verbal and verbal communication
As well as the auditory benefits, music therapy for dementia patients can also be used to encourage active participation in music too. With scientific evidence showing that musical memory is different to other types of memory, it’s believed that music and its associated practices are hardwired into the brain as ‘implicit memory’, and therefore less susceptible to the effects of dementia. This means that, even as dementia progresses, those living with its symptoms can still use music to tap into innate abilities and learnt skills, such as singing, dancing and performing.
This means that engaging in music can support those with dementia to:
- Regain and maintain a valuable sense of self
- Exercise favourite pastimes
- Practice coordination and mobility (especially with dancing or playing instruments)
- Evoke positive feelings of purpose and pride
- Connect with loved ones and social groups
- Share a personal story and journey
- Reduce stress and boost feel-good hormones
When it comes to the benefits of music therapy for dementia patients, it’s true that there are lots of positive avenues to pursue. That said, it’s important that any new practices are introduced sensitively and considerately and are tailored to individual needs, requirements and interests. To get started, it’s important to:
- Understand individual backstories and preferences
- Choose a safe, comfortable environment
- Introduce music therapy gradually and empathetically
- Start with familiar, gentle music in short stints (nothing overwhelming)
- Observe emotional and physical responses, and seek feedback
- Encourage simple participation, like humming and tapping
- Engage gently and move on if necessary (remember, not everyone enjoys the same things – and that’s perfectly okay)
- Be prepared for emotional responses
- Offer a supportive hand if it’s needed
If music therapy is proving to be a hit, you can also look at offering music therapy for dementia patients in a group environment, as well as individually. This can be enjoyed both at home and in care settings. Listening and singing to music from a particular era and encouraging shared experiences can be a really positive way of connecting people and creating a sense of familiarity and community. Play songs through the radio, sing together in groups, and even arrange live performances for a really captivating experience.
The Alzheimer’s Society has written a guide to the best radios and music players for people with dementia. These are specifically designed to be easy to use for those living with dementia, meaning that music can be accessed and enjoyed at the press of a button, ready for favourite tunes and feel-good moments.
At Wisteria House, we have three independent care homes in Plymouth for people living with dementia. We provide a safe, familiar and comfortable environment to be enjoyed by our residents and their family members. If you would like to find out more about our care homes and how we share music therapy, please feel free to get in touch.
In times of need, caring for a loved one is a natural decision for many. That said, it’s not always easy. Caring for someone, no matter how much you love them, can be emotionally and physically demanding and, sometimes, it’s really important to turn that love inward and take breaks.
Supporting a loved one with dementia is never straightforward. Whether your relative has been newly diagnosed or you’re already a caregiver, there are certain steps you can take.
With Father’s Day fast approaching, many people are searching for thoughtful gifts for their loved ones. But for some, choosing the right gift can be especially difficult, particularly when buying for a family member with dementia.
Encourage positive conversations and deeper connections with dementia patients by asking the right questions. Whether over the phone, on a virtual call or in-person, the best questions phrased in the right way can invoke happy memories and shared moments. Many people with dementia can recall vivid memories from their past and love to share them. Here are some tips and questions to ask dementia patients to encourage communication.
If you’re looking for some new and interesting ways to help stimulate and entertain someone who is suffering from dementia, we can help.
Dementia is a complex condition affecting a person’s cognitive ability and can impact everything from their memory, problem-solving skills and language skills in day-to-day life. This can be extremely difficult for the person with dementia to come to terms with, especially as the condition progresses and they become more reliant on others for help with simple tasks.
Many dementia patients will also experience increased anxiety or agitation because of the condition, and one of the ways this can manifest is by increased fidgeting, especially with the hands.
It’s well-known that music is a universal language – one that speaks to us all on a primal level. It creates the soundtrack to many of our days, including some of our most cherished moments, and also has the ability to both lift our spirits and soothe us too. And, while music is an important part of many people’s lives, the benefits of music therapy for dementia patients is especially poignant. Tapping into memories and emotions on a different level, it can be a powerful tool for those living with dementia and its symptoms.
With temperatures dropping and bad weather arriving, it’s important that people with dementia get the extra care they need to be comfortable and feel safe.
Winter often brings more challenges for people with dementia and their caregivers, facing heightened feelings of social isolation and stress. Alongside the extra physical hazards from ice and snow, sometimes symptoms can get temporarily worse. People with dementia may not be able to communicate that they are cold or explain how they are feeling
As the season casts its silvery cloak and the nights draw in, there’s no better time to hunker down and cosy up than winter. One of the best activities for relaxed mornings and slow afternoons during this time of year, winter crafts offer a great way to occupy hands and minds during this season of resetting and rebalancing.