We saw a YouTube video the other day and it was SO powerfully moving that we had to share it with you. At Applewood Our House in Lakewood, Golden and Arvada, music is a big part of the lives of our residents.
There are various ways that music touches the soul in Elders with Alzheimer’s disease. In the same way, music affects normal people in a positive way, it can also soothe the nerves of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, too.
According to the American Medical Association, physicians do not receive much training on providing care for Alzheimer’s, dementia, hospice, and other dying patients. Since physicians are always taught to try and heal through medications, and to provide the most aggressive forms of treatment when it is necessary, not as much time and research is spent on alternative types of palliative care for patients with Alzheimer’s and other terminally ill patients.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) says that Alzheimer’s disease in the most common form of dementia and it is a brain disorder that usually destroys the memory and other mental capabilities over an extended amount of time. It is the sixth leading cause of death among Americans, and it is now known that approximately one in three seniors will die from complications related to Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s is also known to take its toll on an entire family. The amount of time that is spent on caring for a loved one can eventually take its toll of caregivers.
Although, there are a few medications that have been shown to relieve some of the symptoms, there is no cure for the disease.
Music and Alzheimer’s Patients
Music touches the soul in elders with Alzheimer’s in several ways. Here are some examples:
Lowering Anxiety and Depression – When music touches the soul in elders with Alzheimer’s disease, it helps take away their anxieties of not being able to function normally. Music can take their minds back to a happier time when they were doing something they enjoyed. It changes their moods, and therefore; it can also help them from developing depression.
Can Sharpen the Memory – When Alzheimer’s care patients are listening to some of their favorite songs; it often helps them remember the lyrics. So, it’s not only therapeutically relaxing, it also serves as a natural mental tonic. It won’t be able to return damaged brain cells, but it can help seniors remember more for a longer period of time.
Alters the Mood – Music can help change the mood of an Alzheimer’s patient, the same way it does a healthy person. It has been shown that various forms of music have different effects on the brain. For example, if your loved one likes to listen to classical music, it can help them relax. If the care patient enjoys faster paced music, such as Salsa, it could make them more energetic.
The decisive part is to choose the right music for the situation and for the patient. If they don’t like a certain type of music or if some music upsets them, it’s best to avoid that music in the future.
Increases Body Movement – It doesn’t matter how old a person is if they listen to music that they enjoy, they are likely to tap their feet or move their body.
How Music Touches the Soul in Elders with Alzheimer’s – Conclusion
One should never underestimate the power of music. Music touches the soul in elders with Alzheimer’s disease in many ways. The only limitations are the types of music that an Alzheimer’s patient is interested in, and the amount of time they are allotted each day to listen to music.
