{"id":564,"date":"2023-01-31T16:18:02","date_gmt":"2023-01-31T16:18:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trousdalelc.org\/mckendree\/2023\/01\/31\/music-therapy-memory-care\/"},"modified":"2023-03-15T14:45:51","modified_gmt":"2023-03-15T14:45:51","slug":"music-therapy-memory-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trousdalelc.org\/mckendree\/2023\/01\/31\/music-therapy-memory-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Music Therapy in Memory Care"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_padding=”7px|||||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Alzheimer\u2019s and other forms of dementia affect memory function for over five and a half million Americans. While there is no cure, there is a therapeutic treatment that helps patients suffering from a memory disorder. Hint: It has a beat, and you can dance to it. Drop a few coins in the jukebox because we\u2019re going to talk about music therapy.<\/p>\n

Music improves understanding, mood, behavior and communication for those with memory loss due to dementia-related diseases. Research has shown that music therapy helps enhance memory, lower stress levels, reduce depression symptoms (along with agitation and anxiety) and improves sleep and cognition. As an added bonus, music therapy can provide physical benefits like light exercise and increased movement for songs that have an upbeat feel to them. With slower-tempo music, blood pressure can be reduced.<\/p>\n

How, and why, does music therapy work?<\/h3>\n

Music stimulates and engages specific parts of the mind for those with dementia. The neural networks that are responsible for music memory usually aren\u2019t as negatively affected as other areas until later stages of the disease. As such, music creates an emotional response and triggers specific memories. It does this for all of us, not just dementia patients. Think of a song from your youth…you recall where you were and what you were doing when that song came on, almost as if it was on the soundtrack of that event in your life. If you\u2019re married, you no doubt recall the first song you danced to at your reception with your spouse. These are memories that music can invoke, no matter your age, and they help trigger and stimulate that part of the brain for those suffering with memory loss due to Alzheimer\u2019s or other forms of dementia.<\/p>\n

If someone you know is suffering with dementia or memory loss, music therapy can help treat the symptoms and enhance your time with them. Experts recommend the following steps to start musical therapy:<\/p>\n

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  1. First, use music familiar to the senior.<\/li>\n
  2. Secondly, encourage them to engage with the music, via tapping their toes, clapping their hands, moving to the beat, or even utilizing instruments to tap along to the beat.<\/li>\n
  3. Finally, as a caregiver, you should participate too…sing along, dance or make music with your senior. If it\u2019s fun for you, your joy will be contagious and radiate throughout the room. Many professional caregivers say that therapeutic musical program time with seniors is the highlight of their week.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    To increase the effectiveness of music therapy, utilize these tips.<\/p>\n