Dementia

Dementia is caused by a progressive neurodegenerative illness, under which Alzheimer’s disease is the most frequent cause. The potential benefits of music therapy for persons living with dementia have been validated by scientific studies and clinical experience. Music therapy is a key component in dementia care within long-term care settings, hospitals, community programs, and private practice.

WHY music therapy can help

Music accompanies us throughout the life span and continues to provide cognitive stimulation, reminiscence, and emotional support during the later stages of life. Music therapy gives individuals living with dementia the opportunity to address multiple therapeutic goals simultaneously in a motivating and interactive way.

Music therapy helps this clientele to:

Improve short and long-term memory
Enhance reminiscence
Elevate mood and decrease depression
Improve reality orientation and alertness
Facilitate physical activity and functional movement
Reduce anxiety and agitation
Improve cognitive functioning and coherence
Increase verbal and nonverbal communication
Enhance meaningful social engagement
Decrease isolation and loneliness
Improve quality of life in general

HOW music therapy is used

A variety of music therapy interventions, methods and techniques can be used with this clientele. They include active and receptive experiences, using familiar music and are based on the clients’ preferences and needs. Depending on the clients’ stage of dementia and abilities, sessions are adapted to maximize engagement and therapeutic gains. Clients can participate in individual or group sessions, alone or with their loved ones or caregivers.

Sessions can include:

Music and relaxation with breathing, singing, movement etc.
Singing, playing, and listening to familiar songs
Discussing memories associated with familiar songs
Memory training through instrument playing or singing
Song composition through lyric substitution
Music and movement, with varying energy levels and types of movements
Instrumental and vocal improvisation
Learning to play an instrument or pre-composed song
Group experiences involving singing, instrument playing, body percussion
Music and art projects

Research and references

At the Institute, we believe sharing knowledge is a fundamental part of our role. Our Resources section includes a growing list of research articles, presentations, videos and other documents, all dedicated to demonstrating how music therapy can positively impact this population and many others.

You will find these references, and more:

Video: Alzheimer patients turn to music therapy to help focus mind
General article: A Music Therapist Seeks to Tap into Long-lost Memories
Scientific publication: A Community-based Music Therapy Support Group for People with Alzheimer’s Disease and Their Caregivers: A Sustainable Partnership Mode
Scientific publication: The Impact of Group Music Therapy on Depression and Cognition in Elderly Persons With Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Study

To discover those references and other available sources of information, click here: Resources & references about Dementia