Fairly common among the elderly, dementia is difficult to handle and treat because of the complex nature of the disease. Since there are no long-term cures available for this, most people feel hopeless. And think there is no winning with dementia. However, that is not entirely true. Even though dementia patients’ caretakers showcase feelings of helplessness in the face of their agitated, stressed, and depressed patients, there is a special “Music Therapy” that is definitely the best solution you have for your loved ones suffering from dementia. Moreover, a special paid companion for the elderly UK can help you manage the workload that comes with having a dementia patient in the house.
There have been a number of researches conducted on this topic and all of them have had positive results finding music therapy to be of great help to dementia patients. Medical professionals all around the world have joined hands with scientists and are working day and night towards producing literary evidence through which it can be proven that music is used for healing purposes, and can yield great results.
Music therapy
Music therapy may constitute a potential, cost-effective, and side effect–free non-pharmacological intervention in dementia treatment. It is believed that playing music from the old period, particularly the one in which the person with dementia has lived, is an excellent place to begin. Their memories of those tunes and genres will be deeply ingrained in their minds, causing them to travel back in time. Getting a good response the first time may be difficult, but keep an eye on the actions of the patients and notice the slight signs of toe-tapping or finger drumming.
So What exactly is music therapy for dementia?
Judging from its name, music therapy means trying to heal or soothe dementia symptoms through the power of music. Although many people are doubtful about the idea of music therapy. It has its roots in science- which makes it quite perceivable. Since areas of the brain which are associated with music are usually untouched by diseases that come with dementia, music therapy is known to have a soothing and healing effect on the rather stressed and anxious patients. Music, therefore, is known to provide a sense of relief and joy among people who are going through a sad and lonely time because of a lack of remembrance of family members, friends, and loved ones.
What are the advantages of music therapy for dementia patients?
Along with being a reliable and cost-effective way to soothe dementia. Music therapy is also straightforward to carry out on patients suffering from dementia. Therefore, most loved ones choose this method instead of the conventional medical alternatives that they have. Undoubtedly, this method works better than everything else because of the impact of music therapy on particular regions of the brain.
Here are a few benefits of music therapy on dementia patients. That will convince you to use this technique on anyone suffering from dementia and going through emotional pain.
- Studies suggest that music therapy patients showcase a more positive cognitive approach towards other things.
- Music therapy also helps stimulate interactions in dementia patients, making them feel less depressed and more hopeful about their situation.
- People have reported their loved ones getting better at coordinating motor movements with the help of regular music therapy.
- The last stage Alzheimer’s patients also engage with music. Which is also a sign that music therapy works wonders for dementia patients.
How is music therapy carried out on dementia patients?
In order to successfully carry out music therapy on your loved ones. And have the most amazing results, you need to keep a few things in mind. Even though the place where this therapy is carried out may vary, there are steps you can take to ensure a better and more promising experience of music therapy that yields the best results for you as well as your loved one.
Moreover, there are no steadfast rules and regulations regarding music therapy. Nonetheless, here are some helpful tips for music therapy:
- If you are wondering about which songs, music, or genre you should choose, the best thing to do is figure out what the patient used to like before his illness. You can consult family members and friends to put together a playlist of songs that evoke emotions of happy times and make the patient subconsciously go into a safe and comfortable place in his mind.
- Choose different types of music for other times of the day! If mornings are stressful for your patient, try playing calming and soothing music in the morning.
- Make sure that the kind of music you are playing does not clash with any background sounds. Such as the television or the radio. This mixing of sounds and words will create a distorted effect that frustrates patients with dementia.
- Try giving the patient company, and sit with them while listening to music. Please encourage them to clap their hands, tap their feet, and nod their head to the music.
- You can also try to make the patients sing along to their favourite melodies. This will help stimulate brain function and improve their cognitive abilities, which is a good sign in dementia patients.
Final words
Many cultures and traditions around the globe use music as a means to relieve physical and mental stresses.
With the benefits and methods listed above, it is evident that music therapy works wonders. For dementia patients suffering from memory loss, feelings of disconnectedness, and depression.
If done correctly, music therapy can also stimulate memory. And cognitive functions in the brain and can even bring the patient back to life in some cases.
