The healing power of music is well known, but researchers have found that it has benefits not just for those suffering from dementia, but also for those who care for them. So here we've got some great suggestions for incorporating music into your daily life.
Research supports claims that music therapy is beneficial in dementia care
An academic study conducted recently at 2 care homes in Derby by researchers from Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge found that regular music therapy sessions boosted the moods and emotions of both the residents and the carers who took part in the study.
The study, which took place over five months, looked at groups in two care homes in Derby. Each home had both a music therapy group – in which participants received one-on-one music therapy once a week – and a control group which did not use music therapy.
Each music session was conducted by a qualified music therapist and filmed, with the recordings later shown to carers working in the homes, to encourage them to incorporate some of the techniques used within their ongoing daily care programme.
Improvements in behaviours, moods and emotion
The group who received music therapy showed improvements in their dementia symptoms and wellbeing, with reduced levels of apathy, agitation and anxiety. The carers reported improvements in communication and memory as well as a decline in occupational disruptiveness to staff.
Music therapy is increasingly used in dementia care as a way of stimulating the mind, according to Age UK.
“The power of music, especially singing, to unlock memories and kickstart the grey matter is an increasingly key feature of dementia care. It seems to reach parts of the damaged brain in ways other forms of communication cannot,” says the charity’s website.
And as well as improving brain function, music has been shown to lower blood pressure, improve the immune system, reduce stress, enhance your mood, boost your confidence and bring emotional – and physical – closeness.
Easy ideas to incorporate music into your life
Music therapy is about actively engaging with the music- not just having music on in the background. Music can trigger powerful and very individual memories and emotions in all of us, so its important to tailor the choice of music to your personal preferences.
Make a playlist of your favourite songs / pieces of music (with the help of a friend or relative if necessary) and enjoy humming or singing along- as loudly as you like! Listening with headphones can remove distractions and heighten the experience.
Join a local singing group. There are an ever growing number of these aimed specifically for those living with dementia and their carers. The emphasis is on having fun and meeting people in a similar position. You don't need to have any sort of musical background and there's no pressure to join in unless you feel comfortable to do so. Groups like Live Music Now, Yorkshire-based Lost Chord and the Alzheimer’s Society service Singing For The Brain all do this.
Revisit the music you enjoyed between 18 and 25: this is proven to have the most beneficial effect for people with dementia.
Learn to play an instrument – or pick up one you used to play. Music For All is a great charity who are passionate about helping people in the UK to do this.
Watch a musical on TV or DVD: Try The Sound of Music or MGM classics like Singin’ In The Rain, The Wizard Of Oz and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
Listen to soothing music you like while practicing deep breathing.
Amended from an article written by Andrea Mann, published originally on home.bt.com 22/7/15
