Music has always been a vital part of maintaining a positive environment for seniors, and it’s something they all enjoy, but there are other benefits of music, especially for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. In fact, music can be a powerful tool in treating seniors struggling with memory issues. Music affects all areas of the brain, as responses to music activate cognitive skills and abilities, recognition memory, and working memory, and can be a powerful tool in therapy.
Helping Alzheimer’s Patients Recall Memories and Stay Present
One study shows that music can create an automatic recall of previously lost memories back to the forefront of the mind while at the same time exercising short-term memory. Music effectively evokes nostalgia that allows individuals to tap into emotions associated with their past, awakening emotions that have otherwise been inaccessible.
Not only does a connection with the past occur, but music also engages seniors with the present, which is particularly helpful in Alzheimer’s patients, encouraging them to move along to the beat or even recall lyrics and sing along. This makes a huge difference in mood for patients who otherwise have difficulty expressing themselves. This allows for interaction with family members and caregivers and opens up channels for communication because where words fail, music allows them to speak.
Reducing Seniors’ Anxiety and Uplifting Their Moods
Another reason music is so influential to seniors is because it lowers cortisol in the body, which alleviates stress and anxiety. Music affects other chemical processes in the brain, as well, which stimulate positivity. It also relieves pain and provides other physical benefits. It can optimize stroke recovery by increasing verbal memory and facilitating rehabilitation. Classical music, specifically, can reduce blood pressure, optimize heart health, and boost the effectiveness of the immune system.
Music is one of the easiest ways to uplift a senior who is aging in place or receiving in-home care. Playing music during certain times of the day to stimulate mood is something anyone can do to engage seniors when providing them care. There are many ways to incorporate music into a senior’s day: watching a recording of a concert, listening to music from their teenage period, encouraging them to play an instrument again that they once played, or just playing the radio to set the tone for an energetic day or relaxing evening.
Contact Marquette Home Care for Compassionate In-Home Care
If you have a loved one struggling with memory and mood issues, Marquette Home Care provides in-home care for our clients who are aging in place. Hiring a visitor to assist with daily needs is a great way to give primary caregivers a break or have a trusted caregiver check in on your loved one while you can’t be there.
Marquette Home Care caregivers also enjoy music and don’t mind turning on the tunes and whistling while they work to inspire clients, who often enjoy singing along with the music and even moving around in their chairs. Music makes a significant difference in the overall quality of life for many of our clients, especially those who struggle with communicating in other ways. We help clients across Marquette County, including Harvey, Ishpeming, Skandia, Negaunee, and Gwinn. Call us to learn more at 906-361-8022.
