Dementia, you can use Music to Better Manage Symptoms

Jonathan Graff-Radford, M.D. in a post in the Mayo Clinic talked about how music can help, here are some of his ideas with others I think work as well.

Music is helpful in other ways when dealing with Alzheimer’s.  Clapping hands, tapping feet, and even dancing when possible helps promote physical activity which contributes to an improved state of wellness.  Singing to the music can help elevate moods and stimulate positive memories that might otherwise remain locked up in their minds.  Music that is soothing can put your loved one at ease during mealtime and personal hygiene routines, making each one a more pleasant experience for everyone involved.

People battling memory loss have difficulty focusing, so it’s advisable turn off televisions and close outside doors so there are no audible distractions.  When the patient is reacting positively to the music, try to keep conversations softly spoken and limited so he or she can concentrate better on the sounds they enjoy.

Compiling an Alzheimer’s musical playlist is not an exact science.  A song you think will generate a positive reaction might have the opposite effect, so pay close attention to how your loved one is responding to the various tunes played.  Eventually, you will be able to identify what music works best in any given situation.

If you would like to use music to help a loved one who has Alzheimer's disease, consider these tips:

Think about your loved one's preferences. What kind of music does your loved one enjoy? What music evokes memories of happy times in his or her life? Involve family and friends by asking them to suggest songs or make playlists.

Set the mood. To calm your loved one during mealtime or a morning hygiene routine, play music or sing a song that's soothing. When you would like to boost your loved one's mood, use more upbeat or faster paced music.

Avoid overstimulation. When playing music, eliminate competing noises. Turn off the TV. Shut the door. Set the volume based on your loved one's hearing ability. Opt for music that is not interrupted by commercials, which can cause confusion.

Encourage movement. Help your loved one to clap along or tap his or her feet to the beat. If possible, consider dancing with your loved one.

Sing along. Singing along to music together with your loved one can boost the mood and enhance your relationship. Some early studies also suggest musical memory functions differently than other types of memory, and singing can help stimulate unique memories.

Pay attention to your loved one's response. If your loved one seems to enjoy particular songs, play them often. If your loved one reacts negatively to a particular song or type of music, choose something else.

Keep in mind that music might not affect your loved one's cognitive status or quality of life. Further research to better understand the precise effects of music and Alzheimer's disease is needed.