The Benefits of Music for Seniors with Dementia
For seniors suffering with dementia, the gradual progression of the condition often leads to withdrawal and depression. However, a new study from the University of Helsinki have demonstrated the benefits of music for seniors which manage to improve not only the mood, but their memory capabilities as well.
Seniors who listen to music or sing on a regular basis demonstrate a significant improvement in their mood for numerous reasons. Of course, this depends on which stage of dementia has been reached, but the research demonstrates that in all but the final stages the effect of music is significant.
The Study
The research itself focused on 89 pairs of seniors who were divided into three groups. One group had no access to music or singing while the other two groups received 10 weeks of music coaching. One of the groups focused on singing and the other group focused on listening to music. After 9 months the effects of the singing and music listening were compared to the control group and the improvements noticed included the following:
- Improved Memory
- Better Orientation
- Lighter Mood
- Augmented Executive Functioning
The executive functioning is a term applied to the focus, planning, and memory stage when several tasks were being performed at the same time. It supervises the process for better organization. In all cases, there were improvements to many areas of brain activity thanks to listing or singing to music.
Parameters
The study itself not only looked at seniors with different stages of dementia, but also their activities to see who might benefit the most from music. Perhaps not surprisingly, the study revealed that seniors under the age of 80 did better compared to those over the age of 80 when afflicted with similar levels of dementia.
In addition, those with more serious forms of dementia benefitted more from listening to music compared to singing. The effects of listening to music helped the cognitive part of the brain to a significantly greater degree compared to standard treatments for dementia.
Interestingly enough, whether the senior with dementia had a considerable music background or none at all, it appeared to make no difference. All seniors benefitted in some way from being exposed to music, whether they sang or simply listened. Some of the recommendations that come from the study include the following:
- Creating Music Programs for Seniors
- Setting Aside Time to Listen to Favorite Music
- Getting Together for Singing Sessions
While listening to music was more effective for seniors who were in advanced stages of dementia, singing appeared to be quite effective for the early stages. This is because singing, especially in groups, was an engagement activity that helped maintain healthy memory function.
The benefits of music for seniors with dementia cannot be overlooked. This means that for those who take care of their loved ones who have dementia, regular intervals of music or singing will have a significant impact on their mood and their memory as well.
Contact Blue Parasol Home Care for more information. Please reach out to us directly at 718-349-1905 or info@blueparasol.org.