5 reasons music therapy for dementia is so important

Dementia is a broad classification of brain diseases that can lead to a long-term and gradual decrease in the capability of thinking or remembering. This can affect your ability to do everyday activities. Fortunately, music therapy can help you live better with dementia. 

#1 Can evoke emotions that bring memories

Music evokes emotions through various mechanisms. Music therapy for dementia can be tailored to your needs to bring memories by evoking emotions; it’s designed to bring back the feeling of life. When you pair music with your daily activities, you can develop a rhythm that will help you remember the memory of that specific activity. In turn, this will improve your cognitive ability over time.

#2 Singing is engaging

Studies suggest that singing can also provide behavioural and emotional benefits for people with dementia. Music therapy for dementia engages more than just your brain and the area associated with singing. Singing activates the left part of the brain, so listening to music can spark activity in the right side and activate visual areas of the human brain. Because a big part of the brain is stimulated while listening to music and singing, this allows people with dementia to exercise more mind power.

#3 Can bring physical and emotional closeness

As dementia progresses, people with this condition may lose the capability of sharing emotions with the person who is taking care of them. Emotions are actions often expressed in the voice, specific behaviours or face that maintain the homeostasis of a person. In dementia, the lack of emotional recognition is caused by the progressive amygdala atrophy. People with dementia can feel a range of emotions, even though they might not recall what sparked them. These emotions remain in them, and they can resist your efforts to help them live a better life. Luckily, there is a way to help improve their emotional well-being. Music for dementia allows them to dance, leading to touching, kisses and hugs. As a result, this can bring security and memories.

#4 Can shift mood and manage stress

A dementia music player is designed to have a relaxing effect on the mind and body. It has a beneficial effect on the physiological functions of people with dementia as it slows the pulse and heart rate. In turn, this lowers blood pressure and decreases stress hormone levels. Music requires little or no mental processing, and singing music doesn’t require the cognitive function lacking in people with dementia. For these reasons, it can shift the mood, coordinate motor movements, facilitate cognitive function and stimulate positive interactions.

#5 Musical aptitude and appreciation 

Music appreciation and aptitude are the only remaining abilities in people with dementia. These two abilities always remain after other abilities have gone, making music for dementia an ideal way of reaching beyond the condition and reaching the person. You should choose songs that they like. If you are not what they like, check their tape or record collection.