The Impact of Music on Managing Dementia Symptoms
"Dementia Individuals Often Seem to Live in Their Own Realm." But there are approaches to draw them back into social interaction, even temporarily, without resorting to medication.
The film "Alive Inside" (Soul Alive) unveils the transformative power of music on individuals with dementia. A 90-year-old woman expresses, "I can't recall," when asked about her past. "I've forgotten a lot. I'm sorry." However, moments later, stories and memories begin to flow from her as she dons headphones and listens to Louis Armstrong's music. The 2014 documentary is poignant.
Enhanced cognition, reduced agitation, and depression
The therapeutic potential of music in Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia has gained scientific validation. Authors of a comprehensive analysis published in 2020 reported, "It has been demonstrated that music therapy can enhance cognitive abilities in individuals with dementia." The intervention directly resulted in improved perceived quality of life and long-term depression reduction. Listening to music proved most effective, with singing also showing promise, as per the researchers.
A survey focusing exclusively on Alzheimer's, published in 2024, suggests music therapy enhances brain function in Alzheimer's patients. The study findings suggest overall brain function, communication, orientation, and memory improvement. A meta-analysis revealed music therapy could also help reduce agitation in individuals with dementia. The research team analyzed 12 scholarly articles and presented their findings in the journal "Frontiers of Psychology."
Workshops for Non-Professional Musicians
These findings are being implemented, such as the Bavarian Music Association (NBMB). Their "A Song for You" project organizes participatory concerts for individuals with dementia. Ulrike, a musician who regularly performs in senior centers with her amateur ensemble, shared her experience, "At our concerts, there were audience members who seemed unaffected. But familiar old songs from their childhood or even Christmas carols brought them to life, and they recalled the lyrics."
Amateur musicians can even participate in workshops organized by the NBMB, situated near Würzburg, Germany. In collaboration with the University of Würzburg-Schweinfurt, they've developed a guide to digital music resources.
Preventive Measures for Dementia
As per World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, there are currently 55 million individuals living with dementia, which is predicted to rise to 78 million by 2030 and 139 million by 2050. Although generally associated with aging, dementia can also affect younger individuals, accounting for up to 9% of cases before the age of 65, as per WHO.
While once considered nearly inevitable, evidence now supports the idea that dementia can often be prevented or at least delayed through various interventions. Lack of physical activity, obesity and diabetes, smoking and alcohol consumption, high blood pressure, social isolation, depression, low education, brain injuries, hearing loss, and air pollution are considered dementia risk factors.
The Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention, and Care recently claimed that 45% of all dementia cases could be prevented or significantly delayed. The commission also identified two additional potentially preventable factors: addressing impending vision loss and managing high cholesterol levels.
World Alzheimer's Day on September 21
Dementia is an umbrella term for various conditions that affect memory, cognitive abilities, and behavior. Alzheimer's accounts for 60-70% of cases, according to WHO.
World Alzheimer's Day on September 21 aims to raise awareness and advocate for the needs of Alzheimer's patients. Numerous cities and towns worldwide host events such as lectures and benefit concerts. According to the German Alzheimer's Society (Berlin), 1.8 million individuals in Germany suffer from dementia. "Although a cure is not currently available, medical treatment, advice, social care, professional care, and much more can empower the sick and their families," the society states. "Music is considered the 'royal road' to dementia patients," it emphasizes.
Current updates:
- The Bavarian Music Association will stream a concert "A Song for You" on September 21 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM via YouTube.
- The Federal Music Association for Choirs & Orchestras (BMCO), along with the Pedagogical University of Karlsruhe and the University of Heidelberg, introduced specific training for choirs and instrumental ensembles through the "Staying Fit Longer through Music!" Project. Ensembles can apply for funding for musical projects until the end of September.
The documentary "Alive Inside" showcases the impact of music on individuals with dementia, such as a 90-year-old woman who recalls her past after listening to Louis Armstrong's music. This therapeutic potential of music in dementia and Alzheimer's has been scientifically validated to enhance cognitive abilities, reduce agitation and depression.
To leverage this, initiatives like the Bavarian Music Association's "A Song for You" project organize participatory concerts for individuals with dementia, while amateur musicians can also attend workshops organized by the association. These efforts highlight the significant role of music in improving cognitive function and quality of life for individuals living with dementia and Alzheimer's.
