Music is linked to one’s memory. As you go through different stages in life, you would likely associate specific songs, genres, or artists with your major events and milestones. Such songs can also create a soundtrack for your life. In fact, older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can even use music to access their memories and past experiences.
Musical memories are often untouched and unaffected by the disease, making music a stronger treatment option amongst others. In addition, its benefits also include reducing anxiety, stress, agitation, and depression.
Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia may find it difficult to communicate with others. Such difficulties can often lead to depression and isolation. As such, music can provide a way for them to better express their thoughts and communicate with their caregivers.
Familiar music helps these individuals maintain a grasp on their identities and experiences, helping them to keep a hold of reality and objects that bring joy to their life. While it is no cure, music therapy can still help to improve their quality of life. Read on as we share the mental and physical health benefits of music therapy for people with Alzheimer’s disease here.
Physical Health Benefits of Music
The right music played can act as an encouraging tool to help your loved ones be more physically active. More movement, be it dancing, stretching, or walking, can bring the following benefits:
- Muscle strength
- Cardiovascular and heart health
- Flexibility
- Coordination and balance
- Bone density
In addition, diverting an individual’s attention away from their pain using music therapy can ease their pain and reduce stress. Listening to music helps them to breathe rhythmically. Not only does this improve respiratory health, but it also helps to release body tension and lift their mood. Other physical health benefits include:
- Reduced blood pressure
- Muscle relaxation
- Improved breathing
- Reduced heart rate
Mental Health Benefits of Music
Dementia and depression are common among older adults. However, using music therapy as an approach to improve the quality of life for your elderly loved ones can be a viable tool as well.
For older adults, isolation can greatly affect their mental health. Using group music therapy can create opportunities to communicate with others that they normally would not have access to. Just listening to music on a regular basis can help to improve communication abilities for these individuals who are facing difficulties with verbal communication.
Music therapy has also previously been used to treat individuals experiencing trauma by reducing their stress and improving their mood. It gives these individuals the ability to safely express their feelings of anxiety in a relaxed and safe environment.
Lead an Active Life at Rittenhouse Village At Valparaiso
At Rittenhouse Village At Valparaiso, we have an activities director who makes sure that there are fun activities and events in store for all our residents. Our residents stay active and stimulated with our signature Celebrations Events and Activities. A bonus is that they get to socialize with like-minded individuals as they partake in these activities.
