Dementia and Music

As the population of Canada and the rest of world ages, so will there be an increase in the number of people with dementia. Alzheimer disease is the most common cause of dementia and there is no cure for the disorder. Besides use of pharmaceutical medications, most people require some type of social support. Eventually many individuals with dementia end up in nursing homes, where the quality of life is guarded.
Over the past 2 decades, anecdotal reports have indicated that music can have a significant impact on people with dementia. A few smaller studies have shown that music can uplift mood and improve behavior in many patients afflicted with dementia. The type of music is not important; what has been observed is that different people respond different to different music. Some respond positively to soul and jazz, others respond to songs from the 70s and 80s and yet others respond to classical music.
Besides just listening to music, it has been observed that singing also has the ability to unlock memories and kick start positive behaviors which were thought to be irreversibly damaged. Music seems to reach the deeper parts of the brain in ways which neither communication or medications can reach.
Experts in speech and language state that most humans remain musical to the very end of life. It is known that the auditory system of the brain is one of the first to develop and become functional at just 16 weeks of life as a fetus. This indicates that even during pregnancy the fetus is fully receptive to music before anything else. Because it is the first system in, then it is most likely the last system out.
Today, music therapy is now begin offered to individuals with dementia in many cities. There are both music students and professional musicians who now offer music as part of home care. As well as being of enormous benefit to the individual with dementia, it is also rewarding for the musician to see someone respond in a positive manner.
Many organizations that support music as therapy exist today and include Music for Life, golden Oldies, Singing for the Brain and Lost Chord. These organizations make it possible for patients with dementia to have access to live musicians.
Almost on a daily basis there are reports of amazing transformation of demented patients after being exposed to music. Some have started to sing, others have found the ability to play a musical instrument and yet others have a positive change in behavior, language and mood. For people with dementia who are not able to talk, music has become an avenue for engagement and communication as it seems to access areas of the brain that are unaffected by the ravages of dementia. Today many home care groups are trying to harness music therapies not only for dementia but for people coming to the end of their life. This non pharmaceutical solution is now being investigated for broader uses in medicine because it positively touches the brain irrespective of color, culture or race.
Dr. David Tal has more than twenty years of clinical experience. He strongly believes that medical treatment can improve the life of Dementia patients of any age. His participation at the Age Matters Clinic allows him to share his knowledge with patients and their families.