Activities directors and music therapists have long known the benefits of using music to help residents with dementia. Let’s dive into some of those benefits and how music therapies can support memory care communities.
How Music Can Be Used in Memory Care as Therapy
Music therapy is essentially the use of music to address the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of a group or an individual. It is a great way to engage seniors in memory care communities because music therapy is easy to implement and inexpensive. It can also be tailored to meet individual needs, allowing for a personalized experience for each resident if needed.
There are three types of music therapy techniques that are often utilized for seniors in memory care communities:
- Reminiscence therapy, which uses familiar songs from the past to strengthen memory recall
- Relaxation techniques such as guided imagery
- Improvisation activities that encourage creative expression
All of these techniques are designed to stimulate cognitive functioning, create positive emotions, and promote socialization among residents. Music therapy can also provide a sense of comfort and familiarity for those living with dementia.
Benefits of Music Therapy for Seniors
It has been shown that music can contribute to better cognition, mood, behavior, and interaction for those with Alzheimer's disease. Studies on music and its effects on dementia show that music therapy can bring a range of advantages, including:
- Enhanced memory
- Lowered stress levels
- Reduced symptoms of depression
- Improved sleep
- Reduced agitation and anxiety
- Improved cognition
Music therapy can offer physical benefits as well. For example, music with a fun beat can promote light exercise and encourage increased movements. On the other hand, low-tempo music has been shown to help reduce blood pressure and may help alleviate stress. Understanding how different tempos affect the body and the mind allows caregivers to communicate with and care for seniors with dementia more effectively.
How Music Therapy Benefits Alzheimer's Care near St. Louis
Music has been found to have a powerful effect on the brain of someone with dementia. Neural networks are responsible for music memory remain intact until the later stages of dementia, allowing music to stimulate and engage many parts of a person's brain. Music often creates an emotional response, because it works as a cue to evoke specific memories. For example, hearing a wedding song can make someone with Alzheimer's disease recall the way they felt on their wedding day.
Music is a powerful tool for those living with dementia and can be used to help them reconnect with their past memories and emotions. It is also an effective way to bring joy into their lives and help them express themselves in ways that may not have been possible before.
Tour One of the Best Memory Care Facilities Near You
If you’re searching for top assisted living communities that provide dementia care near St. Louis, then you’ve come to the right place. The Aspen Creek of Troy is an ideal community for those searching for Alzheimer's care near St. Louis. Our community offers 24/7 personalized memory care services for seniors with dementia, all in a safe, home-like environment, with a wide variety of amenities. We have gone above and beyond to craft a tranquil and inviting environment at this residence for your loved one.
Reach out to Aspen Creek and book your tour of our top-notch memory support residence.