“Music has the power to reach beyond the symptoms of dementia to the person within.”
 ~ Andra Duncan, MT-BC

A person with dementia may not remember you or what they ate five minutes ago — or even if they ate. However, they have long-term memories stored and just need a slight nudge to access them.

Even if your loved one can’t speak, music allows for another form of communication. It can bring joy, excitement and even sadness to the face of a loved one, as certain songs evoke memories that might have been locked inside.

The Healing Touch of Music

Music touches all of us in one way or another. You have listened to songs that brought you back to a memory, just like it happened yesterday. It works the same with your loved ones.

You can tell music touches the soul and lost memories as your loved one might smile, tap their toes, or even sway to the beat of the music. While it won’t heal dementia, it breaks that barrier for a little while.

According to Biomed Central, several studies showed that music therapy contributed significantly to cognitive function, and even more so when you can include your loved one in making music. If you play an instrument, give your loved one a tambourine, a drum or even a small keyboard or a guitar to play along with you.

What Music Does for Dementia Patients

A favorite playlist can help dementia patients remember fond memories and connect those memories with loved ones. It can even promote language and increase the quality of life. Sit with your loved one and put the mp3 player on — it’s always better to have music without interruptive commercials, as that could confuse your loved one.

Sing along to the music or even hold hands and dance in the chair with them. Music by itself can connect, but it’s significantly better if you and your loved one enjoy it with each other.

How Do I Choose the Right Music?

The best music you can choose is music your loved one listened to in their teens and early 20s. You can also add to the playlist music your loved one sang often. Music from memorable events, such as a wedding or childbirth, birthday parties, etc., is also music that might help your loved one communicate with you.

Other Ways To Bring Music Into Your Loved One’s Life

There are several other ways you can bring music into your loved one’s life, including:

• Sing simple songs to your loved one, such as “You are My Sunshine,” “Frere Jacques,” “Funny Bone,” and others you learned as a child.
• Take your loved one to an afternoon concert. Choose a concert in the park or at a smaller local venue. You can also take your loved one to the opera or enjoy a big band concert or the local orchestra if they like that kind of music.
• Stream concerts on TV. That is the next best thing if your loved one can’t get out easily or doesn’t like crowds.
• Sing lullabies and soft songs to your loved one, especially if they are tired and don’t want to get out of bed.

We at Diamondback Healthcare believe in the profound impact of music on individuals living with dementia. We also feel that music evokes memories and reduces anxiety. Personalized playlists can significantly enhance your loved one’s quality of life and contribute to memory care, especially in between your visits to spend time with them at our Desert Diamond Memory Pavilion.

Contact Diamondback Healthcare Center today to discuss a loved one’s needs if you need help caring for someone with dementia.