Dementia is a condition in which the patient experiences difficulty remembering events, thinking coherently, and even performing everyday tasks. Dementia can be triggered by direct or indirect damage to brain nerve cells caused by various diseases or injuries. We don’t have any direct cure for Dementia, but there are some methods that can ease the pain of the sufferer.
Music Therapy Is an Effective Method to Ease Dementia!
Music has always held a special place in our hearts. Human evolution has influenced the way we hear and absorb sound. The rhythms and melodies resonate deep through our bones, and music works on our subconscious level to release inner emotions. We may improve our understanding of our brain by researching the effect of music on our brain. Over the past thousand years, we have seen significant positive results of music therapy in people suffering from Dementia.
What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is a research-backed technique that uses melodies and harmonies to improve the physical, mental, and emotional functioning of Dementia patients. Music’s sensory and intellectual stimulation, particularly in certain music types, can help people retain their quality of life, especially if they suffer from cognitive loss.
Choose the Right Music Therapy Practice!
Different types of dementia are produced by diffrent causes. The number of sessions, the length of each session, and what you do are all determined by the underlying cause of the patient’s sickness. Music therapy for Dementia comprises a variety of activities such as singing, playing instruments, and writing song lyrics. Some sessions may include listening to music and discussing its meaning. You must understand the underlying reason behind your patient’s condition and select the best practice or the one recommended by the therapist.
Types of Music Therapy
Music therapists use a lot of individual practices but all of these fall into two broad categories.
Active Music Approach
In this practice, your patient will work with the music therapist to create melodies reflecting their inner sentiments. This method includes:
- Composing Music
- Playing Instruments
- Singing
- Writing Music Lyrics
It not only aids in treating the sickness but also improves your patient’s creativity. It will activate their brain’s reward system, resulting in the production of dopamine hormone. Eventually, the person will begin to feel better, and their Dementia symptoms will be eased.
Receptive Music Approach
Instead of making music, the patient will enjoy their favorite songs played by the therapist. This approach includes:
- Listening to music
- Dancing
- Discussing the meaning of the lyrics
With this method, the therapist can better understand the patient’s inner feelings and personalize their routine accordingly. This approach is suitable for patients who need more physical activities.
How Can Music Therapy Help Dementia Patients
Given that there is no cure for the disease, it is crucial that we prioritize endeavors aimed at improving the quality of life for patients. Music therapy holds the potential to benefit individuals with Dementia at stages of the condition. Research indicates that music therapy enhances a patient’s concentration and ability to connect with their loved ones, aids in memory retention, and potentially lessens their dependence on others.
Improves mood and immune system
Music therapy can be used to improve one’s mood instantly. Even if you are not working with a therapist, you have most likely felt a surge of happiness or comfort when listening to a favorite song. These similar sentiments can be felt by people suffering from Dementia, providing relief from anxiety and depression that commonly accompany the disease. It also leads to a better immune system as your dietary habits improve.
Improves communication
Verbal communication is not always the most effective method for Dementia patients. Instead, body language and other forms of nonverbal communication take precedence while attempting to create a pleasant and comfortable relationship. Music is an excellent supplement to dementia communication, providing a fresh avenue for social connection and enjoyable experiences.
Encourages movement
One of the most significant advantages of music therapy is the increased healthful activity. Music can serve as a catalyst for purposeful movement, such as applauding, swaying, or dancing. In the proper medical context, this movement can help the person build strength, balance, and endurance, leading to a lower risk of falling and improved motor function.
Easily accessible
You don’t have to be a music therapist to incorporate music into your interactions with people who have Dementia. One way to enhance the results is by incorporating music into the patient’s daily routine. For instance, you can start your mornings by playing a playlist of tunes to energize the patient or wind down in the evenings by humming a cherished hymn for relaxation. The best part is it’s easily accessible and completely free if you know how to make the most of it!
Improves Recognition Ability
Music therapy has shown a remarkable capacity to improve recognition skills in people with Dementia. Listening to familiar music can bring back feelings and memories. This therapeutic method aids patients in more easily recognizing tunes, things, events, and loved ones. These sessions effectively reduce the confusion and disorientation that are frequently brought on by Dementia, which ultimately improves the quality of life. Additionally, it can halt the progression of cognitive decline in dementia patients.
Conclusion
Picking the right music therapy for dementia patients is a bit like choosing the perfect lullaby for a child. It requires a tailored approach considering the individual’s unique needs and preferences. Just as a caring parent chooses a soothing melody to ease their child’s worries, assisted living and memory care professionals should carefully select the right music therapy techniques to alleviate the challenges of Dementia. Whether using familiar songs or group sessions with cheerful melodies, the goal is to bring comfort and joy to dementia patients. So, take your time to explore the options and let the music therapy help improve their quality of life on their unique journey with Dementia.
