The Effects of Music on Seniors with Alzheimer’s
Having a family member with Alzheimer’s is a mix of emotions. From hospital visits to hands-on needs, caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be overwhelming. When you become stressed, your family member is sure to feel stressed too. Between taking kids to school and picking up medications, you should consider activities that ease the overwhelmed. An easy and effective activity you can engage in with your loved one is listening to music. We recommend this simple activity because of the benefits it can bring to a daily routine.
Relieves Stress and Anxiety
Someone with Alzheimer’s views the world as unfamiliar which can arouse anxiety. Studies from the University of Utah Health show that music can be the anchor, that grounds a senior back to reality. Because music requires little-to-no mental processing, it helps seniors relax rather than create panic.
Improves Memory
Séverine Samson, a clinical neuropsychologist, says that music stimulates different parts of the brain. This is why patients with Alzheimer’s might have the ability to recall song lyrics. There is a connection between the neural networks of verbal and musical memory, but the processing is different. This means that music might trigger parts of the brain that can stimulate better memory. Studies from the Journal of Alzheimers Disease & Parkinsonism have also shown that those with Alzheimer’s disease tend to remember more in sound environments as opposed to silence.
Encourages Physical Activity and Emotions
Sometimes when music is so good, it makes your loved one want to move—especially if they enjoy the song! Whether it’s clapping along or doing a full-on dance routine, any kind of movement will put your senior in a good mood. Sometimes after a dance, it can even lead to a hug or a kiss which evokes emotions and makes him or her feel secure.
Music Isn’t for Everyone
Although music has shown many positive effects, that doesn’t mean it will work well with every loved one. Start with their needs first. What kind of music does your specific loved one enjoy? What kind of music reminds them of happy times in his or her life? Above everything, pay attention to the reaction. You will know whether he or she is benefiting from music by their response.
Is Your Loved One Ready for a New Song?
Music doesn’t cure Alzheimer’s, but it does make symptoms more manageable and improves your senior’s quality of life. With certified dementia practitioners, Encore at Avalon offers special memory care-focused living communities for residents suffering from Alzheimer’s. Through community partnerships, we have access to services and activities, including music, that enrich our residents’ experiences. To schedule a tour, call today at 407-270-7500.
