subject: Music Therapy--alzheimer And Dementia Patients [print this page] Family member caregivers as well as other medically trained professionals who are caring for people with Alzheimer's have long known that music and songs are special to these individuals. It has the power to reach them on a deep degree. Many could remember the lyrics of songs long after they could no longer recognize their loved ones, dress themselves, or recall what actually happened 5 minutes earlier. Music can have positive results on the health as well as social functions of Alzheimer's patients, and it has also been found to assist them in retrieving their memories or thoughts that has been lost forever.
Patients on the early stages of dementia can be taken out to events. You could also have a musician or small group of performers come to your own home. If you're bringing in an artist to play for someone who used to play an instrument, choose someone who plays that very same instrument. Caregivers could also simply sing to their loved ones. Having the person tune in to recorded music and songs are somewhat less appealing than paying attention to live music because, unlike live music, it doesn't supply any visual pleasure. It does have the advantage, however, of allowing the client to listen at any time of the day rather than just when performers are present.
Persons with Alzheimer's could pay attention to recorded music and songs either through headsets or audio speakers. Even background music and songs could bring comfort, calm their thoughts with pleasure to individuals with Alzheimer's. It should be played very softly, though, so as to not over stimulate the patient who may be undertaking some other task. Arrange for musical goes through in which the person can participate. Individuals could be given drums, tambourines or other simple percussion instruments to "play" in addition to, or instead of, singing.
These require no musical talent or experience and could bring smiles to faces which were previously blank. Use whatever type of music and songs the person liked most before developing dementia. Likewise, take into account that people with dementia generally reply most favorably to music that was popular if they were in their teenage years or early 20s.
Avoid sad music, just like sad love songs, or selections that men and women may connect with some specific sad experience with their past, just like music played at the funeral of a loved one or the "favorite song" they had with a deceased mate. Also avoid music that is loud, dissonant, or frenetic-sounding. Lastly, always learn how the person is reacting to the music as well as stop right away if it seems to be having a detrimental impact on them. Music therapy for dementia patients or Alzheimers patients is truly amazing.
