Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys a person’s memories, ability to think and complete daily tasks.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 50 million people worldwide live with Alzheimer’s and related dementia.

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s, but there are ways to slow down the progression of the disease, and one of the effective therapeutic approaches is music therapy.

Music is a universal language that has the power to evoke emotions, memories, and connect us with each other, including those with Alzheimer’s.

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that progressively affects the brain’s normal functions such as memory, thinking, behavior, and mood.

The disease is characterized by the formation of protein clumps and tangled nerve fibers that disrupt the communication between brain cells, leading to their death.

As a result, people with Alzheimer’s experience memory loss, confusion, and difficulty in performing daily activities such as cooking, bathing, and dressing.

The disease typically affects older adults, and the symptoms can be severe, leading to total dependence on caregivers for basic needs.

Benefits of Music in Alzheimer’s Therapy

Music therapy is a non-pharmacological approach to treating Alzheimer’s disease that uses music to improve the quality of life of people living with the condition.

It involves listening to music or actively playing musical instruments under the guidance of a certified music therapist.

Research indicates that music therapy improves the cognitive, social, and emotional function of people with Alzheimer’s. Some of the benefits of music therapy include:.

1. Enhances Memory Recall

One of the most notable benefits of music therapy is its ability to stimulate memory recall.

Since music activates many parts of the brain that are involved in memory processing, listening to familiar tunes can help people with Alzheimer’s remember past events and emotions.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing found that listening to music improved the memory recall of older adults with dementia.

The participants were able to remember and sing along to familiar songs, which helped them connect with their caregivers better.

2. Boosts Mood and Reduces Anxiety

Alzheimer’s can disrupt emotional stability, leading to mood swings, anxiety, and depression. Music therapy can help improve mood and reduce anxiety by regulating the production of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.

A meta-analysis study published in the Journal of Music Therapy found that music therapy significantly improved the emotional well-being of people with dementia.

They reported feeling more relaxed, less agitated, and happier after music therapy sessions.

Alzheimer’s can make social interaction difficult for people with the disease.

Music therapy can improve communication and social interaction by creating a positive and engaging environment where people with Alzheimer’s can connect with others through music.

According to a study published in the Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, music therapy increased social interaction and communication skills in people with dementia.

The participants were able to express themselves better, have more meaningful conversations, and establish closer connections with their caregivers.

4. Enhances Cognitive Functioning

Cognitive functioning refers to the ability to think, reason, and process information. Alzheimer’s can severely impair cognitive functioning, leading to a decline in a person’s judgment ability, attention span, and decision-making skills.

Music therapy can help improve cognitive functioning by stimulating different areas of the brain and activating neural connections.

A systematic review published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that music therapy improved cognitive functioning in older adults with dementia.

The participants’ attention, concentration, and memory improved after a series of music therapy sessions.

5. Improves Sleep Quality

Sleep disturbances are common among people with Alzheimer’s. Music therapy can help improve sleep quality by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.

A study published in the Journal of Sleep Research found that music therapy improved the sleep quality of older adults with dementia. The participants reported feeling more relaxed and falling asleep faster after listening to calming music.

Conclusion

Music therapy is a powerful therapeutic approach that can help improve the quality of life of people living with Alzheimer’s.

It enhances memory recall, boosts mood and reduces anxiety, improves communication and social interaction, enhances cognitive functioning, and improves sleep quality.

Therefore, incorporating music therapy into the care plan of people with Alzheimer’s can provide immense benefits to the patients, their caregivers, and families.

It can help create more meaningful connections, improve emotional well-being and social interaction, and enhance the overall quality of life.