Alzheimer’s patients have been using music to help with memory care for many decades now. Alzheimer’s patients especially, respond to the music of their courting years. Music brings smiles to their faces, songs to their lips, and healing to their minds and bodies. Both well elderly and frail elderly often respond to music of their era, when nothing else seems to affect them.
Patients with Alzheimer’s or other dementias often begin to smile, sing along, tap their toes or nod their heads when favorite music is played. The memories that are retrieved by this music bring happiness and a few moments of feeling connected with friends and family. Some patients have actually been know to get up and start dancing!
Caregivers report that after a music session or a music therapy session, Alzheimer’s patients eat better, sleep better and are less combative. Caregivers say that they enjoy the music too and often feel calmer after a live or a CD music therapy session. For this reason, researchers have been investigating the psycho-physiological benefits of music for Alzheimer’s patients and all of the studies show many numerous benefits, ranging from less anxiety, depression and combativeness to improved immune system, improved social skills and less need for medications for sleep and anxiety!
I have recorded a CD of music for Alzheimer’s patients that has been used very succesfully around the U.S. and Western Europe. To learn more about “Music for Memory Care” just click this link!
Boy… can we ever use this. My mother’s mind is deteriorating quickly… and she is unhappy and combative. Thanks for this wonderful tip.. We will try it.
So happy to help you Kathryn! The music of her “courting years” will be best, but if you don’t have time to put all that together yourself, I hope you’ll get my CD! It can also be downloaded!