The Power of Music Therapy in Dementia Care
While dementia symptoms differ from person to person, a common challenge faced by those living with dementia is memory loss and confusion. Dementia care is complex and will be different for each individual. However, research has shown that music therapy can have positive impacts on many of those living with the disease.
The treatment aims to trigger memories and emotions through rhythm and beats. It offers many benefits and is becoming increasingly popular within the framework of dementia care.
This article explores the role of music therapy in dementia care and shares the benefits.
What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is a way of using music and rhythm in a certain way to achieve therapeutic goals.
It extends beyond simply listening to music and involves active engagement from those living with dementia. Activities will include creating, singing and moving to the music, and sessions are led by a music therapist.
Of course, the goal will differ for each individual and will be based on their life experiences, so the specialist will usually be tailored to the individuals taking part, adapting to their preferences, needs and cognitive abilities.
The Science Behind Music Therapy in Dementia
There has been a lot of research into the impact of music and the results music therapy achieve in dementia care.
Our bodies react in a unique way to music as it stimulates a large area of our brains, including the areas that trigger emotion, memory and cognitive function.
Even in advanced stages of dementia, when an individual is unable to recall most of their memories, music can tap into deep memories and emotions, offering a form of communication beyond words.
Benefits of Music Therapy for Dementia Patients
Music therapy has been shown to offer a wide range of benefits for those living with dementia:
- Emotional well-being: Music can allow someone living with dementia to experience a range of emotions that they may not feel on a regular basis. It can often elicit responses such as smiles and laughter or trigger a sense of calm and comfort.
- Cognitive stimulation: Familiar tunes can trigger memories and encourage speech in those who have lost regular communication abilities.
- Physical health: Music with a regular rhythm can encourage movement, which can help motor skills and coordination.
- Social interaction: Music therapy can be done in group sessions, which encourages those participating to socialise and fosters a sense of community among participants.
There are plenty of case studies demonstrating the positive and profound impact of music therapy on those with dementia. Close to home, a resident in a care home in Dorset, who seldom spoke began to sing and share stories during music therapy sessions, revealing a vibrant personality that had been hidden by the disease.
Implementing Music Therapy in Dementia Care
Unfortunately, employing music therapy into your dementia care isn’t as simple as playing music to residents. It involves collaboration with professionals who will be able to tailor sessions to work towards specific and personal goals.
However, activities can be simple and don’t often require a lot of space or equipment. They will often include:
- Playing simple instruments
- Singing along to familiar songs
- Listening to music that holds personal significance.
Caregivers and families are also encouraged to incorporate music into daily routines, using it as a tool to soothe, stimulate, and connect.
Music Therapy and Caregiver Wellbeing
It isn’t just those living with the disease that will benefit from music therapy as caregivers can participate in it too.
The sessions create a joyful and shared experience allowing the caregiver to let go of the pressures of caring for a little bit. Plus, they allow the caregiver to see their loved one in a different, more positive life as they watch their loved one remember a happier time.
Challenges and Considerations
Before you integrate music therapy into your dementia care plans, you will need to consider some of the challenges and obstacles that you might experience.
To set an obtainable goal and reach it, you will need to understand the patient’s preferences and their life story.
Additionally, the reactions to the music can be unpredictable, so you will need to ensure you have a plan of action for any situation to occur.
However, with some careful planning and a patient-centred approach, these challenges can be navigated, and your music therapy sessions could make a great difference to resident’s quality of life.
Including Music Therapy At Old Alresford
Music therapy has the potential to be a crucial component of dementia care as research into its many advantages deepens. It can provide those with dementia with happy memories, meaningful connections, and moments of joy.
Of course, the impact it has on the relationships between the caregiver, family and friends and their loved one living with dementia also provides a moment of happiness and positivity in what can otherwise fell like an uphill battle.
At Old Alresford, we include music therapy as part of our care plans for individuals with dementia. Each of our activities aims to stimulate and engage our residents and we work with professionals to create personalised programmes tailored to each of our residents so that they can get the most out of the sessions.
Among therapy sessions, we also hold regular sing-a-longs and music sessions, so our resident’s never have to wait too long to enjoy some music in their ears.