Recently, I had a friend tell me how much music helped her get through difficult times after the loss of her husband. I knew she loved music; I have watched her be completely immersed in a song she likes. With her eyes closed and body moving to the rhythm she is focused on the music. She told me that during her deepest grief, music gave her a way of expressing her emotions when she could not find the words. We used music in the Operating Room to put the surgeon in a good mood. Many had music that was calm and soothing while doing the procedure and then something more upbeat when we were finishing up. As always, I started some more serious research for this article and was pleasantly surprised at the advancements in music therapy for many reasons but the most interesting was the effects it has on people with dementia.
According to a study in 2020 by the National Institutes of Health, over 50 million people worldwide live with some form of dementia and the amount is predicted to triple by 2050. Many people with dementia enjoy music but the study revealed some amazing outcomes. They found that playing music can alter brain function and can improve areas of the brain involved in speech, learning, attention, and memory. The benefits were seen even in people who are no longer able to verbally communicate. Music can directly connect us to memories, experiences, and emotions. Musical memories are often untouched by Alzheimer’s and accessing them can help someone relive wonderful experiences from their past. The study found even better results in quality of life when the period of listening to music was followed by singing.
There are 2 types of formal music therapy regularly used in pediatrics, mental health and seniors; active is where the person participates in picking the music, maybe playing an instrument, or singing along to the lyrics. Receptive music therapy involves mindful listening to carefully chosen songs that can reflect the person’s culture, generation, and personal experiences. Anyone though can incorporate music therapy into their life simply by listening to music you love. Let the choice reflect your current feelings. Emotions like sadness and grief can be expressed in a 3-minute song allowing a safe place for intense feelings.
The NIH study did show there were no long-term benefits from music therapy, the effects did not last long after the music ended. Using music in your life to benefit your physical and mental health on a regular basis though can be very beneficial at any age. Consider helping a senior in your life create a Pandora or Spotify playlist full of songs from their youth that they can easily access for hours of enjoyment.
