由 home-healthhaven 
Caregivers looking after individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia often observe remarkable changes when their patients listen to familiar songs or music from their past. Even in the advanced stages of the disease, music can work wonders by soothing, delighting, and evoking joyful memories. Experts believe this happens because music does not require cognitive processing. Music therapy can be beneficial at any stage of dementia, helping to connect with patients and encourage their participation and activity. The documentary “Alive Inside” showcases this by highlighting the positive impact of music therapy on seven specific patients.
**Music and Memory**
If you’re caring for a loved one with dementia, you probably know their favorite songs, which can trigger happy memories. If their musical preferences are unknown, you might need to experiment with various types of music. A good starting point is to try music that was popular during their early adult years and pay close attention to their reactions, as music is a highly personal experience tied to both positive and negative memories.
Keep a playlist of their favorite songs handy. This music can be used not just for enjoyment but also as a motivator. The nonprofit organization “Music and Memory” creates customized iPod playlists for dementia patients in nursing homes, often with the help of family and friends. They’ve observed remarkable improvements in patient engagement and reduced agitation through these personalized music experiences.
Patients in the later stages of dementia often become easily agitated, and music can help calm them down. Engage them in singing simple songs from their childhood and incorporate easy dance movements like swaying or arm motions. Caregivers have noted that dementia patients who listen to their favorite music often become more social and may require fewer mood-enhancing medications. With so many benefits from music, it’s worth trying.
**How Music Helps**
Today, music is more accessible than ever. Smartphones offer a plethora of options for storing and exploring music. Apps like Pandora, which is available on various devices such as Nook, Blackberry, Android, iPhone, iPad, iPod, and Kindle, allow users to search for genres, artists, or composers and create personalized stations. This can be a great way to identify what music resonates most with an individual. A small monthly fee can eliminate ads, making for a smoother listening experience.
For iOS, Android, and Windows, Last.fm is similar to Pandora but offers more user control, allowing unlimited song skips and personalized recommendations. Slacker Radio is another similar app that lets users choose music based on specific years, which is helpful for finding era-specific songs for dementia patients.
For relaxation and bedtime routines, there are apps like Sleep Stream 2 and Healing Music Therapy for iOS that offer soothing sounds and calming melodies. These can help ease a person into a restful state.
In summary, there are numerous resources available to harness the power of music therapy for dementia patients. It’s amazing how music continues to be a powerful tool even in the final stages of such a challenging disease.