Music And Dementia Research Paper

Henry, an 94 year old man in a nursing home, has suffered from dementia for the last decade of his life. He sits in his chair with his head down and only talking when he has to. One day, a pair of headphones was placed on his head playing his favorite, Cab Calloway, and after that everything changed. The second the music started playing, Henry began to sway and sing along to the music. He reacted the same way to music ever since then and the power of music has had similar effects on many other Alzheimer's and dementia patients.

Music's effect on on Alzheimer's and dementia patients is just one of the many ways music can positively benefit the human brain.

What Does Music do to Your Brain?

Music is very powerful. It can motivate people, help them cope with and produce certain emotions, and even help people concentrate and focus. Now, thanks to advances in neuroscience, scientists have proven that music has many positive impacts on your brain including mood improvement, stress and depression reduction, boost learning and concentration, and can even help with dementia and Alzheimer's patients.

How Music Improves Mood

Music has proven to improve mood and help people with depression. According to a study done by researchers at The Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, music, especially thrilling music,

Music therapy is the use of strategically chosen music by music therapists to help restore and maintain, mental and physical health. Music therapy has literally brought people suffering from severe memory loss illnesses back to life. "Music and Memory" is a moving documentary about the power of music therapy in restoring the lives of dementia and Alzheimer's patients. One miracle that stood out in the documentary is the story about Henry, who is 94 and has been living with dementia for the last 10 years of his life. Here is an excerpt from the