Why Music Is So Important In Dementia Care?

I have a mother with dementia and know at first hand how important music is in both our lives. When I start a song my mum will always join in and her face will just lights up with joy.

I know that music and memory are powerful connectors. Music lights up emotional memories – everyone remembers songs from their past – the first kiss, the song at a wedding, a tune our parents played or sung when we were a child.

Studies also recognise the positive impact that singing has on our well-being, as it triggers the release of endorphins (or happy hormones) which can uplift our mood and make us feel good whether singing, playing an instrument or just listening to music.

Music can also have many benefits to people suffering from dementia. It can help reduce anxiety and depression, help maintain speech and language, is helpful at the end of life, enhances quality of life and has a positive impact on carers.

There are three main ways in which people with dementia their families and carers can enjoy and benefit from music.

The first, and potentially the most important, is that listening to music provides a ready resource for enjoyment and entertainment, especially when shared with others. It can be specifically tailored to the choices of individuals and people with dementia.

Second, music can facilitate sharing and very positive interactions and there is increasing evidence that musical memory may be different to the kind of day-to-day memories that can be affected in dementia. There is some evidence that retaining memory for music enjoyed between the ages of 10 and 30 is much more enduring. Rekindling these can have a beneficial effects.

Thirdly, many musician (whether professional or amateur) can still play or sing relatively late into their illness even though they are unable to undertake simple tasks. Music for musicians is hardwired into their brains, and by re-energising these memories they will illicit positive experiences and results.

I personally know how wonderful if feels for me when I sing to care groups and the residents join in or talk to me about the songs I have sung.It is a way of connecting to our fellow humans and getting through the barriers that dementia can build up and is often the starting point for fabulous conversations.