5 Ways Music Can Help Your Loved One With Dementia
Music has a remarkable way of reaching people, even when words or memories begin to fade. For those living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, music can tap into parts of the brain that remain strong, offering moments of recognition, connection, and calm. Within a memory care community, music is more than background sound; it is a tool for emotional support and cognitive engagement.
The effects of music aren’t just theoretical either, they’re backed by real-life experience and research, showing how something as simple as a favorite song can make a meaningful difference. Whether it involves listening, singing, or movement, music opens doors that other therapies often cannot.
1. Rediscovering Moments Through Familiar Songs
Even in the later stages of dementia, certain areas of the brain that respond to music remain relatively well-preserved, including regions linked to long-term memory and emotional processing. When a familiar song plays, it can evoke a strong emotional response and even help bring back fragments of memory that seemed out of reach.
Caregivers often notice that individuals light up when hearing music from their youth, particularly songs from their teenage or early adult years. Taking the time to create a personalized playlist filled with meaningful songs from that time can spark recognition, improve focus, and bring comfort.
Gently singing or playing these songs regularly invites participation and may enhance attention, recall, and orientation.
2. Using Music to Lift Spirits and Soothe Low Moods
Mood changes and depression are not uncommon for individuals living with dementia. Music, especially when thoughtfully chosen, has the potential to improve mood without side effects. Structured music sessions, whether they’re guided or informal, can activate the brain’s reward system and better support relaxation.
Scheduling brief listening or singing sessions during times of day when your loved one typically feels low can help make the day more manageable. A quiet melody in the afternoon or a favorite tune before bedtime may offer peace, balance, and moments of lightness.
3. Calming Distress and Creating a Sense of Peace
Dementia often brings distress behaviors like forgetfulness, wandering, agitation, or even resistance to care, and these behaviors may be a response to unmet emotional or sensory needs. Thankfully, music provides a nonverbal way to meet those needs at the moment.
In dementia care settings, caregivers often use calm, familiar music to help soothe residents during transitions or personal care. Matching the music’s tempo to the moment is essential: slow rhythms can create calm during stress, while upbeat songs may gently lift energy during quieter periods. This simple, personalized approach can lead to smoother interactions and fewer behavioral challenges.
4. Creating Connection When Words Fall Away
As dementia progresses, verbal communication can become more difficult; however, music offers a shared experience that doesn’t rely on language. Singing together or simply listening to a favorite song can open new channels for emotional expression and connection.
In both social and quiet settings, music creates opportunities for connection among caregivers, residents, and loved ones. Reading lyrics together can prompt conversation or recognition, and many memory care communities often use music-based programs to help cultivate feelings of inclusion and connection.
At home, printed lyrics, favorite playlists, or even just enjoying soft music on small speakers can support these shared moments and encourage participation.
5. Supporting Movement With the Rhythm of Music
Physical activity may become more difficult with dementia, but music has a unique ability to encourage movement. Walking or moving to a beat, known as Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation, has been shown to improve coordination, attention, and even executive function.
Simple activities like clapping, foot tapping, or using light percussion instruments with music can help maintain mobility and reduce the risk of falls. Some memory care communities also incorporate music-based movement into their therapies, assisting residents to remain active while enjoying themselves.
Choose Memory Care That Honors Connection Through Music at The Veraden
At The Veraden Senior Living in Edmond, Oklahoma, music is part of a thoughtful approach to supporting individuals living with dementia. Our memory care community focuses on personalized care, comfort, and well-being. Our goal is to provide a secure, welcoming environment to all of our residents through the creation of thoughtful spaces, meaningful programs, and the use of caring staff.
If you would like to see how our memory care services can support your loved one, we invite you to schedule a tour or reach out to our team. We’re here to answer your questions and help guide the next step in your loved one’s life.
