Music for Dementia
Music for dementia has become popular as a therapeutic activity in recent years.
Research has shown that music has many positive effects on people living with dementia. These can include increased cognition, fostering better communication and relationships.
Listening to music is an enjoyable activity that people living with dementia often find very rewarding. It has the ability to conjure happy memories as well as being uplifting for individuals.
In this article we will explore the positive effects of music, and how to introduce it into dementia care.
Here’s a summary of the main points we’ll cover in this article:
- Songs and tunes from the past can increase interactions and reminiscences
- Music for dementia can improve cognition, memory, communication and speech skills
- Music can also help with physical symptoms such as high blood pressure. It also increases the release of endorphins – the ‘feel good’ chemicals
- Some people report reduced depression and levels of agitation after listening to music regularly
Why consider music for dementia?
Dementia is becoming more common in later life, but unfortunately there is no ‘cure’ for dementia at present.
However, research into dementia is increasing, and different types of dementia care are now available to suit individual needs.
While music is not a cure, its positive effects of music on those living with dementia are becoming better known as this research develops.
The power of music
Music and sound are powerful forces for us all as human beings. The auditory or hearing functions are the first to function fully in the brain after we are born. This means we were all receptive to sounds, including music, before anything else.
In addition to this, music is generally the last thing to be forgotten by those living with dementia. People can recognise songs and may be able to remember lyrics, despite the lack of cognitive function in other areas of the brain.
Using music for dementia care can be powerful
Music, and singing in particular, has great power over the brain. Singing old songs can act as a key to unlocking past memories. It can also promote the use of our ‘grey matter’, making the brain more active.
Dementia can inhibit a person’s ability to communicate. This is due to the areas of the brain where language information is stored being negatively affected by dementia.
Yet music is able to bypass these affected areas and can reach other parts of the brain. Therefore it can really benefit a person, even if their speech ability is reduced.
Using music to encourage communication
Using music can be a very pleasurable way to engage with a person living with dementia. Especially if other modes of communication are not possible.
As feelings can be heightened through listening to music, your loved one may be more expressive while music is playing.
Music for dementia care can be very versatile and has many different applications.
Whether used in a group setting or as a solo activity, using music can be a very pleasurable way to engage with a person living with dementia.
It is especially important if other modes of communication are not possible.
As feelings can be heightened through listening to music, your loved one may be more expressive while music is playing.
Music in a dementia care plan
A dementia care plan can involve musical activity or music in general. This should be informed by the person’s preferences and needs, and what they have enjoyed musically in the past.
If they are able to give their input on their musical taste and preferences, this should be taken into account.
These musical activities can be applied whether in a care home setting or while receiving domiciliary care.
For example, listening to a favourite radio station or watching a musical can be easily arranged both at home or in a care home setting.
Joining a dementia-friendly choir
Dementia-friendly choirs are growing in popularity. More and more are becoming available in communities across the country.
It could be worthwhile checking with a day-care setting in your community to see if they run one.
The Alzheimer’s Society also runs an initiative called Singing for the Brain which brings people together to sing songs they know and love, in a friendly environment.
If you can’t find a dementia-friendly choir near you, then you can try creating a playlist of favourite songs to sing along with.
Music therapy
Music therapy can also be used within day care or a care home setting. A trained music therapist will work with people to use music as a communication aide.
The therapy can help to support emotional expression toward others. This work can be done one-on-one, or as part of a group.
The benefits of music therapy for individuals living with dementia have been well proven. This is seen in positive changes to mood and behaviour, both during and after the therapy.
Improvements in thinking have also been reported. Other benefits of musical therapy include reducing anxiety and improving perception.
How to use music therapy
Here are some suggestions for how to use music therapeutically:
- Having a singalong to old favourites or classics
- Using headphones for personal enjoyment of music
- Joining a choir or a regular community singalong
- Playing or learning an instrument
- Attending live musical performances
- Watching concerts on television
- Films of musicals
- Playing a favourite radio station
Many organisations now exist to bring music into day and care home settings. These groups arrange visits into care homes from both professional and amateur musicians.
These musicians are usually trained in the particular needs of people living with dementia. The programmes they deliver are thus tailored to the needs of those with memory impairment.
Benefits of music for dementia
People living with dementia can struggle to communicate and engage with those around them. Music can be helpful in aiding this engagement, as well as increasing general well-being.
Regular interaction with music within groups can also be beneficial for starting and strengthening relationships.
Music for dementia also has a range of physical benefits, including reducing blood pressure and heart rate. Endorphins are released when we hear music. Endorphins are ‘happy’ hormones that can help us to cope better with pain.
What does the research say?
Research shows that using music as therapy for individuals living with dementia also improves a range of other functions. Memory, speech and communication abilities can all be improved.
People living with dementia can sometimes suffer from anxiety and depression. Music has been shown to alleviate those conditions, as well as to ease agitation.
The collective nature of some music therapy can ease feelings of isolation. Pleasant memories brought back through music can be very soothing.
Music for dementia can:
- Help people living with dementia show their feelings
- Stimulate physical movement and dance
- Encourage socialising and meaningful interaction with those around them
- Bring back memories of the past
- Make personal care more soothing by playing a familiar or well-loved piece of music
- Aid the individual living with dementia in telling the story of who they are
Where to start?
So where should you start when finding music for your loved one who is living with dementia?
A good rule of thumb is to begin with something familiar, such as songs you know they enjoy.
Perhaps a musical film that they have enjoyed in the past, or an old favourite album. If they have previously enjoyed a particular radio station, try playing that regularly.
Any familiar and previously enjoyed music generally prompts a good response from people living with dementia.
Songs that trigger happy memories
Songs from a person’s youth are likely to be very engaging, particularly if they are associated with special memories.
Significant songs or pieces of music will help to tease out those memories.
Examples might include: music played at their wedding, songs they danced to at events, or nursery rhymes and lullabies.
These significant pieces of music can help the person more easily find and express their feelings.
Some feelings and expressions can help engagement with those around them. This is especially true if the songs elicit collective memories in a group setting.
Try these three tips when playing music for dementia:
- How does the person react when the music plays? It’s a positive sign if they hum along, or nod their head. You might like to join in with them to encourage their positive response. They may not like that particular song or genre of music, if they seem upset or agitated. In that case, try a different type of music .
- Use the music to interact with the person, if they are willing. You can try connecting with them as they listen to music they enjoy. Their memories and feelings may be heightened as they appreciate the music. Dance along together, sway in time, or even hold hands with the person and tap the rhythm. All of these things can provide a way of communing together.
- Pick out music that the person appreciates. Most people will react positively to music they have listened to frequently. Also consider music from when they were young. If the person has spent time in another country or culture, try music from that time and place. If they are unable to tell you what they enjoyed, try researching popular music from their youth.
Things to remember
Here are a few important things to remember when you are exploring music for dementia :
- Ask the person what music they enjoy.
- Friends and family members may have different knowledge of their musical tastes.
- Quiet and soft music is a good place to start.
- Try a variety of ways to deliver the music – singing, musical films, or playing records.
- Background or loud music might be distracting and distressing.
- Keep the volume low and the controls close by in case you need to change the music quickly.
Look for a response
- Watch the person for reactions, both positive and negative.
- Sadness can be a normal part of reminiscences, and music can bring up sad or nostalgic memories. It may be appropriate to offer comfort in this case.
- Distress or agitation is a clear signal to change or turn off the music.
- Try to connect with the person as the music is playing.