There’s an ever growing body of evidence that music can have a powerful influence on people living with dementia.
Music imprints itself on the brain deeper than any other human experience. Music evokes emotion and emotion can bring with it memory.
oliver sacks
Neurologist
Music has the amazing capacity to alter for the better the way we are feeling at any given time. Familiar tunes can bring cheer, evoke memories, and provide comfort - all of which can contribute to a positive sense of well-being.
Musical aptitude and appreciation remain unaffected for far longer than most other abilities, so even into the most advanced stages of dementia music can still provide a way of reaching beyond the disease to the person.
Proven benefits music can bring to people living with deme
Music can play an important role in helping to tackle a range of problems such as depression, isolation, stress, anxiety and even memory impairment.
- Improved mood
- Reduced need for antipsychotic medication
- Boosting confidence
- Relaxation
- Improved awareness
- Preserving sense of identity
- Providing a means of reconnecting with loved ones - particularly when verbal communication becomes
too difficult.
Ways to incorporate music into dementia care
Whatever way you choose to enjoy it there are therefore sound reasons to incorporate music into your daytime routine.
Whether it's listening to live or recorded music, singing along, participating in live music making, creating a personal playlist of favourite musical tracks, or undertaking music therapy with a trained therapist, just pick whatever appeals.
A useful source of advice is the Music for Dementia website which has the clear mission of making music available to everyone living with dementia in the UK.
The website is a central hub of information, containing evidence based research on why music is so beneficial, and practical information on how people can engage in musical activity of one sort or another to suit them.
Visit the Music for Dementia website to explore the possibilities.
