The Power of Music in Alzheimer’s Care
Alzheimer’s and other dementia types affect memory, personality, behavior, and decision-making skills. Dealing with these issues often leaves patients feeling agitated, uncomfortable, disoriented, and even angry. Any activity that helps calm a person suffering from this condition should be considered. Some believe that music can often counter Alzheimer’s symptoms, calming the mind and improving mood. Of course, some music types, including loud or chaotic tunes, may have the opposite effect, so choose the songs carefully.
Since music is known to benefit dementia, it’s often used therapeutically. The right music stimulates the mind, relaxes the body, and even encourages movement and socialization. Consider music activities as your daily recreation therapy, which includes concerts, live entertainment, movement classes, sing-alongs, and other musical activities. If you’re curious about how music benefits Alzheimer’s, keep reading.
How Music Helps Alzheimer’s Patients
Alzheimer’s has no cure, though medication is used to treat the underlying causes and manage the symptoms. But these aren’t the only methods to assist those with the disease.
Music has shown several benefits, especially tunes familiar to the patient. Playing these songs invokes several behavioral alterations, including those discussed in the following sections.
It comforts them
Studies show music is linked to memory, often allowing Alzheimer’s patients to improve recall when hearing certain pieces. For instance, they remember the tune itself, when they heard it, or how to play instruments associated with it.
Such associations are often comforting to those with dementia since they have so much trouble recalling past events. The familiarity of the music they enjoyed throughout their life gives them back pieces of themselves they assumed were lost. Even calming songs, they aren’t familiar with soothe them in ways silence or conversation can’t.
Improves mood
Music’s effect on brain function also benefits those with Alzheimer’s. When listening to music, neurogenesis and neuroplasticity are stimulated, forming new neurons, synapses, and protective tissue around nerve fibers. Doing so slows atrophy, maintains brain mass, retains those memories, and regulates mood.
Music also stimulates the release of dopamine, the “feel-good” hormone associated with pleasure. Those with Alzheimer’s have depleted dopamine levels, so encouraging its production is vital for mood improvement. Patients are happier and more social, with better cognitive function and memory recall.
Reduces agitation
Impaired cognitive function causes worrisome and dangerous behavior in dementia patients. They are agitated, stressed, prone to wandering, and resist the care family and medical professionals offer. As the disease progresses, these actions worsen, risking the patient’s health and safety.
However, recent studies show music improves agitation in those with Alzheimer’s. Individuals focus on the music, tuning out distressing or unfamiliar noises and surroundings. Their agitation decreases, thanks to the pleasure the music brings or the memories they recall.
What kind of music is best?
Soothing classical music was once called the best option for improving brain function. But recent studies showed those with Alzheimer’s responded most to music they already liked 5. Their emotional memories are associated with the songs of their youth. If you’re unsure what they prefer, play a few options until they respond positively to specific songs.
To improve the patient’s musical response, avoid music with commercials or other interruptions. Switch it up to create a certain mood, with calming music for tranquility and fast-paced songs to encourage movement. Avoid competing sounds by closing doors and windows and turning off televisions or other devices.
Resources:
- National Institute on Aging, Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet - PubMed Central, July 16, 2015, Music, memory and mechanisms in Alzheimer’s disease
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4511859/ - PubMed Central, July 18, 2022, The promise of music therapy for Alzheimer’s disease: A review
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9796133/ - Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, Jan. 15, 2025, How Music Can Ease The Agitation of Alzheimer’s
https://www.alzinfo.org/articles/prevention/how-music-can-ease-the-agitation-of-alzheimers/ - University of Central Florida, Your Brain on Music
https://www.ucf.edu/pegasus/your-brain-on-music/ - Alzheimer’s Association, Art and Music
https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/art-music
This article is for educational and informational purpose only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. For any questions about your own health condition, speak to a qualified physician or healthcare provider.
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