The guide to
Music in Dementia Care
How music affects the brain
Music therapy for dementia
Get started with music therapy
Music and the brain
Music can be a powerful therapeutic tool for people living with dementia, and this has a lot to do with science, and with music’s impact on the brain.
Studies show that listening to favorite music can boost cognition even after brain function has begun to decline.
Protecting your brain
Read more
Return
Next
Connecting through music in dementia care
Being Patient talked to caregiving expert Teepa Snow about how to integrate music in dementia care:
Music makes a difference for people with dementia. Music is a preserved skill, and we connect with it emotionally. Consider when music could help. Use it at least 2x daily.
Protecting your brain
Caregiving expert Teepa Snow on positive approach to care.
Return
Next
Benefits for people with dementia
Because listening to music is shown to improve memory, mood, and other cognitive factors, it can support a number of outcomes associated with quality of life. Music has been linked to better results when it comes to:
Eating better
Navigating depression symptoms
Coping with chronic pain
Protecting your brain
Getting healthier sleep
Managing changing environments
Return
Next
Easing cognitive symptoms
Music gives mood and cognition a boost
Researchers at George Mason University found that listening to just 20 minutes of personalized music can boost mood and cognitive function for people with dementia. They recorded significant increases in joy, eye contact, eye movement, being engaged, as well as talkativeness.
Read more
Return
Next
Managing changing environments
Environmental changes — even as simple as leaving home to go to a doctor's appointment — can feel overwhelming for people with dementia. Listening to favorite music can provide comfort and ease anxiety during times of transition.
Taking walks
In transit
Waiting rooms
Return
Next
Promoting restful sleep
Listening to a quiet playlist of favorite music can help a person with dementia fall asleep in a number of ways. Click on the icons below to learn more.
Generating comforting, positive memories and emotions
Helping relax tense muscles
Reducing blood pressure, heart and respiratory rates
Return
Next
Supporting quality of life
Music can be offered in a number of different ways:
Solo listening sessions
Promote quality sleepReduce instances of rejecting care
Group listening sessions
Improve nutritionEase chronic pain
Music-based games and activities
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Relieve depression symptoms
Return
Next
Improving relationships with caregivers
Listening to a playlist of favorite songs can make dementia care better for all involved, by creating a positive and supportive environment, and promoting relaxation and cooperation during caregiving activities. Studies show:
- Music improves patients' ability to relate to, and feel safe with caregivers
- Listeners are better able to follow cues and understand what is happening
- Music sessions provide respite for caregivers
Return
Next
Bringing home the benefits of music therapy
Concetta Tomaino, a pioneer in music therapy, discusses music's therapeutic effects on neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's.
Expert Perspective
"Whatever the music that you like to listen to, you should spend some time together each day to listen [to the music]. Maybe sing some of the songs. If you like to dance, put on some music. Being mobile actually helps with balance and coordination. If there’s [a] good upbeat song that you can play to do some exercise and movement, that’s really great."
Dr. Concetta M. Tomaino, Executive Director and Co-Founder, Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF)
Watch the full interview
Return
Next
Other ways to use music in care
Music therapy can be as simple as providing playlists of favorite music and listening along. Here are some other ways to use music to engage with someone living with dementia.
Encourageactive listening
Create amemory book
Listen together during family visits
Return
Next
Explore more resources on beingpatient.com
Return
Next
Want to learn more?
Visit
beingpatient.com
for the latest news and information on brain health and Alzheimer's disease
Return
Listening to music while in transit or waiting provides comfort, connection, and orientation.
Maintaining anytime access to music can prevent episodes of distress before they start.
Music improves cognition and communication in social situations.
Listen to music together. Sing along, clap, tap their feet, or play simple percussion instruments if they're able.
Compile a scrapbook or album featuring pictures, lyrics, and memories associated with favorite songs. Reminisce and talk about past experiences linked to music.
Sing-alongs can foster a sense of belonging among patients. Group musical activities promote communication, cooperation, and emotional connection.
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Transcript
The guide to
Music in Dementia Care
How music affects the brain
Music therapy for dementia
Get started with music therapy
Music and the brain
Music can be a powerful therapeutic tool for people living with dementia, and this has a lot to do with science, and with music’s impact on the brain.
Studies show that listening to favorite music can boost cognition even after brain function has begun to decline.
Protecting your brain
Read more
Return
Next
Connecting through music in dementia care
Being Patient talked to caregiving expert Teepa Snow about how to integrate music in dementia care:
Music makes a difference for people with dementia. Music is a preserved skill, and we connect with it emotionally. Consider when music could help. Use it at least 2x daily.
Protecting your brain
Caregiving expert Teepa Snow on positive approach to care.
Return
Next
Benefits for people with dementia
Because listening to music is shown to improve memory, mood, and other cognitive factors, it can support a number of outcomes associated with quality of life. Music has been linked to better results when it comes to:
Eating better
Navigating depression symptoms
Coping with chronic pain
Protecting your brain
Getting healthier sleep
Managing changing environments
Return
Next
Easing cognitive symptoms
Music gives mood and cognition a boost
Researchers at George Mason University found that listening to just 20 minutes of personalized music can boost mood and cognitive function for people with dementia. They recorded significant increases in joy, eye contact, eye movement, being engaged, as well as talkativeness.
Read more
Return
Next
Managing changing environments
Environmental changes — even as simple as leaving home to go to a doctor's appointment — can feel overwhelming for people with dementia. Listening to favorite music can provide comfort and ease anxiety during times of transition.
Taking walks
In transit
Waiting rooms
Return
Next
Promoting restful sleep
Listening to a quiet playlist of favorite music can help a person with dementia fall asleep in a number of ways. Click on the icons below to learn more.
Generating comforting, positive memories and emotions
Helping relax tense muscles
Reducing blood pressure, heart and respiratory rates
Return
Next
Supporting quality of life
Music can be offered in a number of different ways:
Solo listening sessions
Promote quality sleepReduce instances of rejecting care
Group listening sessions
Improve nutritionEase chronic pain
Music-based games and activities
Return
Next
Improving relationships with caregivers
Listening to a playlist of favorite songs can make dementia care better for all involved, by creating a positive and supportive environment, and promoting relaxation and cooperation during caregiving activities. Studies show:
Return
Next
Bringing home the benefits of music therapy
Concetta Tomaino, a pioneer in music therapy, discusses music's therapeutic effects on neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's.
Expert Perspective
"Whatever the music that you like to listen to, you should spend some time together each day to listen [to the music]. Maybe sing some of the songs. If you like to dance, put on some music. Being mobile actually helps with balance and coordination. If there’s [a] good upbeat song that you can play to do some exercise and movement, that’s really great."
Dr. Concetta M. Tomaino, Executive Director and Co-Founder, Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF)
Watch the full interview
Return
Next
Other ways to use music in care
Music therapy can be as simple as providing playlists of favorite music and listening along. Here are some other ways to use music to engage with someone living with dementia.
Encourageactive listening
Create amemory book
Listen together during family visits
Return
Next
Explore more resources on beingpatient.com
Return
Next
Want to learn more?
Visit
beingpatient.com
for the latest news and information on brain health and Alzheimer's disease
Return
Listening to music while in transit or waiting provides comfort, connection, and orientation.
Maintaining anytime access to music can prevent episodes of distress before they start.
Music improves cognition and communication in social situations.
Listen to music together. Sing along, clap, tap their feet, or play simple percussion instruments if they're able.
Compile a scrapbook or album featuring pictures, lyrics, and memories associated with favorite songs. Reminisce and talk about past experiences linked to music.
Sing-alongs can foster a sense of belonging among patients. Group musical activities promote communication, cooperation, and emotional connection.