Music has always been here on our sides, whenever and wherever we go. It’s a harmony of human culture and society. But beyond that, many studies have found that it’s a mighty tool that can evoke emotions, memories, and even physical responses from its listeners. In fact, music can also have therapeutic effects on individuals with dementia. You can experience it with your own eyes at San Diego memory care.
Dementia is a condition characterized by memory loss, confusion, and difficulty in communication. While no known cure for this debilitating disease has been found, studies have shown that music therapy can significantly improve the well-being of people with dementia. So keep reading as we explore some remarkable ways in which music therapy can boost the overall cognitive function and emotional state of those living with dementia.
Improves Overall Cognition
Music has the ability to affect a person’s cognitive abilities in various ways. For individuals with dementia, music therapy can be an effective way to improve overall cognition. Research shows that listening to music stimulates different brain parts, including those responsible for attention and memory. As such, music therapy can help people with dementia better focus their attention and recall important information.
Moreover, musical activities like singing or playing instruments also require coordination and timing skills. By engaging in these activities regularly through music therapy sessions, individuals with dementia can improve their motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Enhances Memory
Music therapy is also believed to be an effective tool in enhancing memory among people with dementia. This is because music not only engages the senses but also stimulates the brain, which can help trigger memories that may have been forgotten.
In fact, listening to familiar songs can evoke strong emotions and memories even in individuals with advanced stages of dementia. Actively engaging in music-making activities, such as singing or playing instruments, has also been found to improve cognitive function and enhance memory recall among people with dementia.
Eases Anxiety or Depression
For those living with dementia, feelings of anxiety and depression are like impossible to beat. All of these will make it so difficult to enjoy day-to-day life. However, music therapy has been shown to help ease anxiety or depression in people living with dementia. This therapeutic approach can involve listening to music, singing along, playing an instrument, or even dancing. Playing an instrument or dancing engages the body physically, which releases endorphins, natural chemicals that promote feelings of well-being.
Reduces Congested Heart Failure Events
Music therapy has been found to improve the well-being of people with dementia in several ways, one of which is reducing congested heart failure events. Congested heart failure occurs when the heart muscle weakens and can’t pump the right amount of blood through the body, which will only lead to fluid buildup in various organs. It can cause breath shortness, fatigue, and swelling in the legs.
Listening to calming music or playing an instrument has proved to lower blood pressure and decrease stress levels, both of which benefit people with congestive heart failure. Let’s also not forget how music can also stimulate the production of dopamine, a hormone that takes a crucial role in regulating mood and behavior. Dopamine release promotes feelings of pleasure and happiness while reducing anxiety levels.
Music therapy is a valuable tool …