Music: A Powerful Ally in the Battle Against Dementia
Last Saturday would have marked my dad's 89th birthday. Reflecting on his life and inspired by Tony Christie's interview on Good Morning Britain this morning where he discussed his dementia diagnosis, I thought I’d share an aspect of my relationship with my dad that brought fun, comfort and shared happiness: the power of music.
The Enduring Power of Musical Memory
One of the most remarkable aspects of dementia is that even as other cognitive functions decline, the ability to recognise and enjoy music often remains intact. This is because musical memories are stored in areas of the brain that are less affected by dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Dr. Borna Bonakdarpour, a neurologist at Northwestern Medicine, explains, "The long-term memory of music remains intact until the very late stages of disease progression”. This preservation of musical memory offers a unique opportunity for connection and engagement with individuals living with dementia.
Personal Experience: Music as a Bridge
During my time as a full-time caregiver for my father, music was a really helpful part of our daily routine. It was through music that I often saw glimpses of the person my father used to be. Songs from his younger years would bring a smile to his face and he would even have a little bop. Music provided moments of joy, that really helped on those days where his dementia was really noticeable and distressing.
Benefits of Music for Dementia Patients
Music can provide numerous benefits for those with dementia, including:
• Improved mood and reduced anxiety: Listening to familiar tunes can create a sense of calm and happiness.
• Enhanced communication and social interaction: Music often encourages sufferers to sing along or even engage in conversations about their past.
• Stimulation of cognitive functions: Regular exposure to music can help maintain mental agility and cognitive functions.
• Evocation of personal memories: Music can trigger memories and emotions from earlier in life, providing a sense of continuity and identity.
• Reduced agitation and behavioural issues: Soothing music can help reduce irritability and aggression.
• Research has shown that both short-term and long-term music therapy can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in dementia sufferers .
Implementing Music in Dementia Care
For caregivers and loved ones, incorporating music into daily routines can be a powerful way to connect with someone living with dementia. Here are some tips:
• Choose familiar music: Focus on songs from the person's teenage years or early 20s, as these often evoke the strongest memories.
• Observe reactions: Pay attention to how the person responds to different types of music and adjust accordingly.
• Use music to soothe: Playing calming music can help redirect attention and reduce agitation.
• Consider professional help: Working with a trained music therapist can maximize the benefits of musical interventions.
Research and Future Directions
The field of music therapy for dementia is rapidly evolving. Recent studies have explored the use of AI-powered music players to manage anxiety and agitation in dementia patients.
Other research has investigated the neural mechanisms behind music's effects on memory and cognition in Alzheimer's disease.
As we continue to uncover the power of music in dementia care, it's clear that this non-pharmacological intervention offers significant promise for improving the quality of life for those affected by these conditions.
Resources and Support
For those recently diagnosed with dementia or their caregivers, resources like the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org) offer valuable information and support. While music therapy can't cure dementia, it can certainly enhance the lives of those living with the condition and provide moments of joy and connection.
It is also important if you are a carer of someone with dementia to get support for yourself. This could involve local talking therapy groups of individual counselling. If you are struggling, I can help and provided a sliding scale of pricing for therapy which flexes to suit your resources. So for a free 30 minute consultation email me on richard@richardpiercetherapy.com or call: 07941 288363.
References:
Alzheimer's Association, 2024. Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures. [online] Available at: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures [Accessed 6 August 2024].
Bonakdarpour, B., 2022. Music as Medicine for Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia. [online] Northwestern Medicine. Available at: https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/emotional-health/music-as-medicine-alzheimers-dementia [Accessed 6 August 2024].
Cohen, D., 2014. Alive Inside. [film] Directed by Michael Rossato-Bennett. USA: Projector Media.
Fabiny, A., 2024. Music can boost memory and mood. [online] Harvard Health Publishing. Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/music-can-boost-memory-and-mood [Accessed 6 August 2024].
Gómez-Romero, M., Jiménez-Palomares, M., Rodríguez-Mansilla, J., Flores-Nieto, A., Garrido-Ardila, E.M. and González-López-Arza, M.V., 2017. Benefits of music therapy on behaviour disorders in subjects diagnosed with dementia: a systematic review. Neurología (English Edition), 32(4), pp.253-263.
Music & Memory, 2024. Music & Memory. [online] Available at: https://musicandmemory.org [Accessed 6 August 2024].
