CAN MUSIC HELP PEOPLE WHO HAVE ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE?

By Peggy Lord

Turn on the radio, throw on some headphones, crank up the tunes and what happens? Your body reacts to it – toes and fingers start to tap, your head and shoulders begin to bob. You might find yourself singing along. Before you know it, music has taken over and your body is now along for the ride. Regardless of age or physical wellbeing, our bodies respond to music.

Researchers have discovered music can have potent emotional, physical and social benefits for those living with Alzheimer’s disease. Music is an effective, easy-to-use tool that has proven results. Research shows while dementia causes progressive memory loss and impairment, memory for music remains.

Music helps people in all stages of dementia connect with fond memories. For many, music can also shift mood, manage agitation and help with motor movements. In one study, researchers discovered music therapy lowers stress levels and significantly decreases depression and anxiety. They concluded music therapy can be an effective alternative medicine to improve emotional variables in Alzheimer’s patients.

MUSIC IS AN EFFECTIVE, EASY-TO- USE TOOL THAT HAS PROVEN RESULTS.

Dan Cohen, director of Music and Memory, says music is the “most fast-acting” non-drug approach to improving the lives of all persons with dementia, Parkinson’s disease, depression and other behavioral challenges, even for those in pain.

Music has been found to stimulate parts of the brain. Studies have demonstrated music enhances the memory of Alzheimer’s patients. One study conducted at the University of California Irvine discovered the memories of Alzheimer’s patients improved when they listened to classical music. In studying the work of The Sing for the Moment Choir movement, researchers discovered singing, especially with others, provides persons with Alzheimer’s and related dementia an opportunity to socialize, connect and inspire others to sing also.

Music can have a positive effect on one’s emotional state. Melissa Davis, a music specialist at the Arc of Monroe’s Ballantyne Day Service, say she has seen the positive effects music has on their Alzheimer patients. “I’ve seen a woman, quiet, lost in the deep dark recesses of her mind, spring to life upon hearing her favorite song and sing full voice, in perfect tune with as much if not more enthusiasm than Diana Ross herself,” she said. “I know a woman who moves and dances with reckless abandon any time the song ‘The Power’ is played. I’ve seen a man who cries for better times when he hears a song that reminds him of his past and he whispers, ‘That’s an oldtimer’s song’ in my ear. I’ve seen a woman, who normally lacks any sense of self-esteem, get up in front of a large group of her peers and belt out ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ like nobody’s business.”

Dr. Jonathan Graff-Radford with the Mayo Clinic says, “Musical memories are often preserved in Alzheimer’s disease because key brain areas linked to musical memory are relatively undamaged by the disease.”

Not only does music relieve stress, reduce anxiety and depression, it can also reduce agitation.

“Music can also benefit caregivers by reducing anxiety and distress, lightening the mood and providing a way to connect with loved ones who have Alzheimer’s disease — especially those who have difficulty communicating,” Graff-Radford said.

Graff-Radford suggests trying the following ideas:

• Think about the type of music your loved one likes. Make play lists of music that relates to happy memories in his or her life.

• Consider your loved one’s mood. Use soothing music to calm them during routine daily activities, such as mealtime or a morning hygiene. Use upbeat or faster music to boost their mood – and yours, too.

• Eliminate competing noises. It is important to avoid over-stimulating your loved one. Graff-Radford recommends turning off the

TV, minimizing distractions and setting the volume to a comfortable level. Using music that is interrupted by commercials can cause confusion.

• Movement is important. Encourage your loved one to clap along or tap their feet to the beat. If they are able, consider dancing with them.

• Sing with them. This can help them connect with you more. Some early studies also suggest musical memory functions differently than other types of memory, and singing can help stimulate unique memories.

• Pay attention to how your loved one responds.

Frequently play songs or music they enjoy.

Don’t play music that generates a negative reaction.

Music will not change your loved one’s cognitive abilities, but it might help them to have moments of joy and can improve your quality of life with them.

About the Author

Peggy Lord is a retired educator, both in the public schools and as a professor of education.

References

• Davis, Melissa. (2019, February, 11). Dementia and the benefits of music enrichment. https://arcmonroe.org/ dementiamusic/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMItYrt2Lmg7AIVj8D ACh0FMgjgEAAYBCAAEgL7dvD_BwE • Elmcroft Staff. (2018, June 18). Benefits of Music for

Dementia Patients. www.elmcroft.com/blog/2018/june/ benefits-of-music-for-dementia-patients/ • Graff-Radford, J. (2020). Can music help someone with

Alzheimer’s? www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ alzheimers-disease/expert-answers/music-and-alzheimers/faq-20058173 • Lucas, Cheri. (2012,Mat 7). Boost memory and learning with music. PBS Kids for Parents. www.pbs.org/parents/ thrive/boost-memory-and-learning-with-music • Ortiz, J., Garcia-Pardo, M., Iranzo, C. etc. (2018 Jan;24).

Does Music Therapy Improve Anxiety and Depression in Alzheimer’s Patients? Journal of Alternative

Complementary Medicine. 2018 Jan;24(1):33-36. https:// pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28714736/ • Young, A., Cornacchio, R. and Hamon, R. (2019) Sing for the Moment: A Choral Ensemble for Persons with Dementia and Their Care Partners. Journal of

Intergenerational Relationships, 17:1, 110-117 DOI 10.1080/15350770.2019.1551.

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