How Does Music Benefit People Living with Dementia?

Did you know that music activates every area of the brain?
It's true, scientific researchers have observed that listening to music and engagement in music-based activities affects all areas of the brain. Music activates the feel-good centers of the brain, and it can even help seniors create new neural connections in their brains, which are reasons why music can be so beneficial for people with dementia.

Music is a natural motivator.
Because music can do all kinds of cool things for the brain and body, it makes the perfect tool for engaging individuals with dementia. A few examples: unlocking their past memories, improving mood, increasing energy levels, and promoting relaxation. Singing has amazing benefits such as relieving stress, boosting the immune system, providing comfort, promoting expressive communication and improving lung capacity.

The benefits of music are abundant and far-reaching.
Music can uniquely touch the lives of people living with disease, disability, dementia, a lack of social connection and other challenges or limitations associated with aging ... simply boosting overall wellbeing. Meaningful music engagement can absolutely make a difference in a person’s quality of life!

Music is one of the very first things we respond to at the beginning of life, and one of the very last things we respond to at the end of life!
We all resonate with music one way or another. Think for a moment about the songs from your childhood, or the music you listened to in your teens, 20’s, and 30’s. Two chords in and you're instantly drawn back to your favorite high school memory. Were you ever in a band or choir? Do you like to dance for fun or have you ever taken dance lessons? Think about your experiences listening to music on your own, and with other people. How about major life events marked by music? … so many different experiences that involve music! Because of all the ways music is woven throughout our lives, it’s no wonder we get attached to “our music.” Music can have such a powerful effect on the mind, body and soul. 

Music really does make a difference!
At Bridgetown Music Therapy, we are sparking joy and improving older adults’ lives through meaningful music engagement. Our music therapist-created, dementia friendly programs are geared towards a variety of care settings such as individuals living at home, senior living communities and older adult care homes. Learn more here.