Music Therapy In Dementia

The Benefits of Music Therapy in Dementia

Affecting over 5.2 million people as of 2014, it can officially be classified as a pandemic. It affects largely the elderly, but nobody is safe. It tears apart families, homes, and lives. One would think that this describes some type of exotic disease, but the danger is all too close to home; it is dementia. As they get older, many adults struggle with various forms of disease, the most well-known being Alzheimers, which can affect many important facets of life including speech, motor skills, and, perhaps the most important of all, memory. The loss of one’s memory can lead to depression and physical health issues, which is why there has been many forms of therapy, one of which includes music therapy.

Music Therapy has been proven to ease several of the symptoms that accompany dementia; It benefits the patient by helping to regulate mood and behavior, which in turn brings peace of mind to the family.
The flood of dopamine released by listening to music is no secret; a scientist is not necessary to recognize the immediate mood lift listening to a favorite song brings.

Whether a stately hymn issuing from a church organ or a popular song from their childhood, music is tightly intertwined not only with one’s identity but with their entire life. One of the major problems plaguing people with dementia is not knowing who or where they are. As one can imagine, the stress that this causes often leads to increased agitation, which in turn can lead to various behavioral problems. Not only do the connections made by music provide a sense of comfort and inner peace to the patient, but the complex nature of the connections often allows precious memories to be regained. (source A) Which can give them a better quality of life in the time they have

left.
By lifting the patient's disposition, the reclamation of these memories works towards the overall goal of increasing not only the length of time left, but the quality of that time.
In addition to triggering the release of both memories and dopamine, music is also a well-known stimulant.

It engages several different areas of the human brain, helping both to create and retrace neural pathways. This is especially beneficial for people with dementia, as the very nature of the disease destroys brain tissue. According to the studies aided by Midorikawa, the areas largely responsible for creative activities such as the enjoyment of and engagement in music are often left largely unharmed(source 7), making the engagement of these areas and functions doubly important. It is not uncommon for patients in a memory ward to find themselves slipping into depression and lethargy. Using music as a stimulant in such conditions has two main benefits. The first of these benefits would be dopamine surge mentioned earlier. Interestingly enough, the second benefit is not a direct product of the music itself, but rather an accompaniment; music therapy is not limited solely to listening to music, but in moving to the rhythm, to dancing. Not only does this also work towards the goal of improving the mood, but helps keep the patient in good physical health as well, promoting the flow of blood and exercising of different muscle

groups.

Perhaps one of the saddest facts about dementia’s toll is that it goes far beyond affecting the patient. Family members or caregivers who step up to care for their loved ones often feel overwhelmed by the crushing load of stress and responsibility (Source 9). The majority of people with dementia are going to live 10 to 15 years post-diagnosis; between the medication and simple cost of care, the cost of caring for a family member with dementia can take a major financial toll on families (source 8). This is where music therapy can come in. The fact is that while music therapy can have several positive effects on people with dementia, these positive effects give some relief to their family and loved ones as well.
Not only does music therapy help financially, it also helps to reduce some of the behaviors and agitation that come along with dementia. This can drastically reduce the need for medication,which is a source of incredible financial stress and responsibility to those caring for a loved one with dementia. Music therapy oftentimes eliminates the need for several medications by reducing agitation in dementia patients, which is commonly treated with medication (source 5). Unfortunately, the cost of these medications not only takes a toll on the family's financial situation, it can also put a lot of stress on the family dynamic. These factors often result in the family member ending up in a care facility which can cost the family up to 7,000 dollars per month( source). By helping to ease the agitation causing problematic behaviors, music therapy reduces the need for medication, thereby easing not only the financial burden but the unnecessary stress which the agitation causes.
Dementia causes a lot of stress to all parties involved, whether to the main victim or to their loved ones, but it can be relieved. When coupled with medication, music therapy can prove an incredibly effective treatment for dementia. By soothing the immense stress felt not only by the patient but by those surrounding them, music therapy helps not only to eliminate problem behaviors, but fosters more beneficial behaviors in its place. It protects the patient's health, both physically and mentally, as well as providing a sense of peace to their loved ones.