Music Therapy for Dementia

How Music Can Help People with Dementia

Music holds an important therapeutic quality – a song can relate to a memory, evoke emotions, and bring peace and calm to its listener. Incorporating music into your loved one’s dementia care plan provides an invaluable connection, no matter the stage or severity of their disease.

Music provides a direct channel to emotions and stimulates the intuitive right side of the brain. Psychological ratings have indicated the positive effects of music on anxiety, depression, and pain relief. Music can bring great joy, encourage socialization, and calm irritation. Communication and self-expression are also encouraged by music. 

What Is Music Therapy for Dementia?

Music therapy for dementia consists of listening to or singing along to music. It can also include playing a musical instrument if the person is interested in doing so. While any music is good, music that your loved one has a meaningful relationship with may be more effective.

Several studies have indicated that music therapy can slow down the cognitive decline that comes with dementia, especially when used in tandem with prescribed medications. It also improved overall quality of life and reduced depression, which is often associated with dementia. This is because music can also activate parts of the brain that provoke sensations of wellness.

Overall, music has a positive effect on what’s known as “cerebral plasticity,” which has to do with the brain’s ability to process information. Those living with dementia experience a loss of independence and self-esteem. Thankfully, we know how to use music therapy as a valuable tool to promote communication, singing, sitting, interaction with an instrument, and simply watching others perform. 

There are many different applications of music therapy throughout the stages of dementia. Following are some suggestions for use, but only you know your loved one and the music that they enjoy, so experiment and do what works!

How to Use Music Therapy with Your Loved One

During the early and middle stages of dementia, use your loved one’s favorite music as a reminder of certain milestones, people, places or memories. For example, play their wedding song to evoke recollection of their spouse, or spend time together while watching a musical from their childhood. Encourage participation through movement, such as dancing or clapping.

During the late stages of dementia, people typically respond only to nonverbal communication (music, sound, touch, and visual stimulation). Use music to soothe your loved one, or to connect to and communicate with them. Play their favorite tune when you’re spending time together, or put on a quiet, calming song when they’re upset.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Music Therapy and Dementia

Can music help with dementia?

Music can help with dementia by increasing the person’s overall sense of well-being and activating areas of the brain that have to do with cognition and pleasure. This can add to their happiness and overall quality of life. It also reduces the incidence of dementia-related depression.

How can music therapy help dementia?

Music therapy can help dementia by increasing cognitive function, lowering depression, and improving the overall outlook of the person dealing with dementia. Music can’t reverse dementia, but it’s a quality-of-life addition that can make a big difference.

Does listening to music prevent dementia?

Listening to music doesn’t prevent dementia, but it does improve the quality of life of someone who has dementia. 

Learn More About How Music Therapy for Dementia Can Help

Our dementia care specialists can add music therapy to your loved one’s overall care plan in addition to helping with activities of daily living, transportation services, and providing respite care for family caregivers. In fact, we offer a wide range of compassionate and flexible home care services. We develop a unique care plan for each client and adjust it frequently to meet the client where he or she is in their progression.

Contact our care team online or call (888) 404-5191 for a free in-home consultation with your local Homewatch CareGivers.