Playing Mom’s Favorite Song: Music and Alzheimer’s Care

Few things in life have the power to change a person’s mood like music. Think of a time when you were feeling down or worried and suddenly a favorite song plays on the radio. Chances are you will smile, move your body in rhythm to the beat, and maybe even sing along. Indeed, music can make life seem a little happier.

Because of its powerful impact on mood, thinking and memory, music is an essential tool in the care and treatment of seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Here are some ideas for adding music to your senior’s day:

Tips for Using Music with Seniors Who Have Alzheimer’s

Be sure the time is right. If your senior relative is overly tired or hungry it might not be the best time to introduce music to her day. Also, be thoughtful about sensory overload. If your loved one is engaged in another activity such as folding towels or having her hand massaged, pay attention to how she responds to the addition of another sensory activity.

Be mindful. Caregivers should strive to be mindful of their senior’s responses to music. Does he or she seem relaxed or agitated? What is his or her body language trying to convey? Staying in the moment will allow you to perceive your senior’s subtle or not-so-subtle reactions to music.

Find the right music. It is not uncommon for adult siblings to have very different ideas about what type of music their parent prefers. One sibling may insist that mom loves jazz, while another feels certain that mom hates jazz and loves show tunes. It is important to monitor your senior’s response to specific music and to update playlists accordingly. However well-intentioned, be sure to keep your own music likes and dislikes from overshadowing your senior relative’s preferences.

Sing! Move! Research suggests that singing can enhance brain performance in people with Alzheimer’s. Singing can reduce anxiety and agitation; it can also improve low moods. If the caregiver sings along, singing can foster closeness.

Clapping, swaying, dancing and foot-tapping will engage and invigorate your senior and provide needed exercise. Caregivers are encouraged to move along with their seniors. Doing so will create a positive emotional connection and can help reduce caregiver stress.

Music can evoke emotions and memories, it can enhance cognition, and it can help us feel closer to our senior loved ones. When a little music is added to their day seniors will feel better, and so will their caregivers. For more information about Alzheimer’s and related dementias, please contact us.