Music on the Mind

BANKS FARLEY, staff writer

Music has been used for centuries as a way to soothe and comfort people. Research has shown that music can be particularly beneficial for individuals with dementia. Dementia is a decline in cognitive function, which can include memory loss, difficulty with language, disorientation, and changes in mood and behavior.

One of the most significant effects of music on the brain is its ability to activate areas that are responsible for memory and emotion. For individuals with dementia, music can serve as a powerful tool for activating memories that may have otherwise been lost. This is because the brain›s ability to process music is relatively preserved even in the later stages of dementia. This means that familiar songs or melodies can trigger memories of past events or people, providing a sense of comfort and familiarity.

In an interview with Heidi Domescik, she mentions that her mom has trouble remembering past memories, along with short term memories. She said that whenever she visits with her mom they will play cards and listen to music. The music “triggers her memories” and she will then love to “tell stories about the past”. Her mom has a connection to certain bands and or musicians “such as the Brat Pack”. Listening to these songs from the past “opens an emotional window for her”.

Another benefit of music for individuals with dementia is that it can help to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Many people with dementia experience feelings of isolation and loneliness, and

The rhythm and melody of music can also have a calming effect on the nervous system, reducing feelings of agitation and restlessness. Furthermore, music therapy sessions, in which the therapist uses music to engage with the patient, can improve their social and emotional wellbeing, and even physiological improvements, such as reducing stress and lowering blood pressure. It could also be used as a tool for nonverbal communication and expression, helping people with dementia to communicate their emotions, when verbal communication is difficult.

Lastly, music can also be used as an aid for cognitive and physical therapy. For example, listening to a song that requires clapping or singing along can help to improve fine motor skills and coordination, while listening to a song with a specific rhythm can help to improve gait and balance. Music therapy sessions can also be used to improve memory and attention by using songs to practice recall or attention tasks.

In the intervention, developed at ITA and called “Musical Bridges to Memory”, a live ensemble plays music from a patient’s youth such as songs from the musicals “Oklahoma” or “The Sound of Music.” This creates an emotional connection between a patient and their caregiver by allowing them to interact with the music together via singing, dancing and playing simple instruments, the study authors said. The program also enhanced patients’ social engagement and reduced neuropsychiatric symptoms such as agitation, anxiety and depression in both patients and caregivers.

As the research continues on music therapy, the progress looks promising. People living with the disease are already seeing palpable results while future research could provide even more relief.