Benefits of Dementia Music Therapy
When a person has dementia, music therapy can help improve their quality of life. Music can help them connect with their memories and do activities of daily living without the difficulty associated with verbal interaction. Music is an excellent way to make the music more personal and meaningful. It helps patients reminisce about their lives as a child. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of dementia music therapy. Further, learn how music therapy can help you or a loved one.
The research team began by enrolling residents from a facility’s pool of referrals for music therapy. Staff and relatives referred residents. Staff at the facility assessed whether the patient met the inclusion criteria. Those who did not meet the criteria were put on a waiting list. Once a participant was recruited, informed consent was obtained through their next of kin. Once the participants were enrolled, demographic and medication information was collected, and Global Deterioration Scale scores were calculated.
The therapists used well-known songs to modulate the residents’ arousal levels. The repetition of musical properties such as pitch, tempo, and melody helped residents to relax and reminisce. The therapists used their intuitive ability to transpose keys in instrumental playing and alter the singing voices to suit the residents’ needs. These interventions were effective and demonstrated positive effects for residents with dementia. The study concluded that music therapy may be an effective treatment for dementia.
Dementia music therapy is an excellent way to enhance a senior’s quality of life. As music stimulates neurons across the brain, it stimulates functions that we may not have understood. It can reduce stress and improve motor function. If you’re interested in hearing more about the benefits of dementia music therapy, contact a certified music therapist. You’ll be glad you made the decision to make it. So, what are the benefits of dementia music therapy?
Studies have shown that music has physical and psychological benefits. Listening to music with a fun beat is effective for promoting light exercise. Slower tempos reduce blood pressure. Caregivers may want to learn more about the tempos of different music genres to better communicate with the aging person. It’s a proven fact that music stimulates various parts of the brain, including the memory-related neural networks. This means that music can evoke specific memories, allowing caregivers to create a deeper connection with a senior.
According to the findings of a number of research, music therapy may have an effect on the depressive condition of a person who has dementia. On the other hand, the findings of the research indicate that it does not have any long-term consequences on a person’s depressive mood. Having said that, it is essential to point out that there is evidence that music therapy can boost cognitive function. Additionally, there is evidence to suggest that music therapy contributes to a higher overall quality of life. Even though there is a lot more research that needs to be done on the subject, there is evidence that shows that music can help dementia sufferers cope with their condition.
