MUSIC THERAPY

 Target-oriented and purposeful activity in which therapists work with individuals or groups, using musical expression and the memories, feelings, and sensations it evokes. It has been found to be particularly beneficial for older adults with various types of dementia. For example, music can relieve stress, anxiety and depression and reduce agitation. 

HOW DOES IT HELP WITH DEMENTIA

While dementia causes progressive memory loss and impairment, memory for music remains.

Music stimulates the prefrontal cortex, an area responsible for language, mood and movement, it also stimulates others regions that is senses our sight, sound and touch. 

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Research indicates that a region of our brain called prefrontal cortex may serve as an area where music, memory and emotions meet. It is also one of the last brain regions to atrophy in individuals with dementia. 

Therefore, as a therapy, music for dementia elders can help improve the quality of life.

5 BENEFITS OF MUSIC THERAPY

1. Music evokes emotions that bring memories.

Music can evoke emotion in even the most advanced of dementia patients. By pairing music with every day activities, patients can develop a rhythm that helps them to the recall the memory of that activity, improving cognitive ability over time.

2. Musical aptitude and appreciation are two of the last remaining abilities in dementia patients.

 Musical aptitude and music appreciation are two of the last remaining abilities in patients with Alzheimer’s, because these two abilities remain long after other abilities have passed, music is an excellent way to reach beyond the disease and reach the person.

3. Music can bring emotional and physical closeness.

In the later stages of dementia, patients often lose the ability to share emotions with caregivers. Through music, as long as they are ambulatory, they can often dance. Dancing can lead to hugs, kisses and touching which brings security and memories.

4. Singing is engaging.

The singing sessions during the therapy, more than just the brain and the area related to singing. As singing activated the left side of the brain, listening to music sparked activity in the right and watching the class activated visual areas of the brain. With so much of the brain being stimulated, the patients were exercising more mind power than usual.

5. Music can shift mood, manage stress and stimulate positive interactions.

When used appropriately, music can shift mood, manage stress-induced agitation, stimulate positive interactions, facilitate cognitive function and coordinate motor movements. This is because music requires little to no mental processing, so singing music does not require the cognitive function that is not present in most dementia patients.

WHAT THE PROGRAM OFFERS

At Revera Living, our music therapist visits twice a week. We have a group session offered to all residence and private therapy offered one on one. 

In a group session, our residents are gathered in a circle while our therapist sings a song the residents can sing along to. Musical instruments are provided, such as Tambourines, Cymbal, Bongo and Snare Drums to play along. 

In a private session, our music therapist sings requested song and play instruments that the resident enjoys and each session is planned accordingly to each resident. 

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To find out more or to request a private session, please fill our contact form at our home page.