5 Ways Music Helps Seniors with Alzheimer’s

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Listening to music can provide numerous physical and psychological benefits for seniors with Alzheimer’s. Among other things, music is thought to enhance brain activity in people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Here are five other ways music helps seniors with Alzheimer’s. 

1. Evokes Pleasant Memories

It’s thought that musical memories don’t get lost, even in advanced cases of Alzheimer’s disease. If you know any special songs your elderly loved one enjoyed prior to the Alzheimer’s diagnosis, play them for him or her. Music may also enhance the memory. 

If your senior loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, help is just a phone call away. For reliable Alzheimer’s care, Portland families can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. We are a leading provider of professional memory care designed to help seniors maintain a higher quality of life. In addition to Alzheimer’s care, we also provide comprehensive dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care. From revolutionary care programs to compassionate and dedicated caregivers, we can meet all of your Alzheimer’s care needs.

2. Provides Benefits Related to Singing

Seniors with Alzheimer’s who sing may enjoy better moods. Singing favorite songs also brings back memories and may decrease aggressive behavior in those prone to outbursts. Also, singing promotes restful sleep patterns and may substantially enrich your loved one’s life. To further enhance the singing experience, encourage your loved one to clap or play a makeshift instrument if you don’t have a real one. If your loved one is able to leave the home, consider taking him or her to a senior center in your community. There, your loved one will have the opportunity to sing and interact with others, which can further enhance the experience. 

3. Promotes Exercise through Dancing

Movement and aerobic exercise are important for seniors with Alzheimer’s. Dancing to music, either alone or with a dance partner, is a favorite activity of elderly people who have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Music makes those with cognitive deficits want to get up and move, which is essential, especially for seniors with depression, loneliness, or social isolation. 

A professional caregiver with training and experience in cognitive stimulation can be a wonderful resource for a senior with Alzheimer’s. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of in-home care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

4. Relieves Pain

Because music and movement often go hand in hand, it’s thought that music may be an effective method of pain relief. Seniors with Alzheimer’s don’t need to dance to enjoy the pain-relieving benefits of music. Simply swaying in a chair or clapping can promote circulation and relax sore muscles. Also, music is thought to decrease the perception of pain, so even if it does little to relieve the actual physical pain, your loved one may feel it less. Music promotes the secretion of certain brain chemicals known as endorphins, which are also known as “feel-good” hormones. 

5. Increases Communication

Seniors with Alzheimer’s, especially those in the advanced stages, may be closed off to the rest of the world. Their expressions may be flat, and they may rarely, if ever, smile, laugh, or seem to understand what people are saying. Music may break through the lack of emotion and poor cognitive ability when all other options have failed. When seniors with Alzheimer’s are able to display positive emotions, it can be life-changing. Communication through music is a unique way to express joy and happiness when your loved one is unable to express these emotions in any other way. 

If your loved one has dementia or Alzheimer’s, compassionate professional care is available. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional Elderly Home Care. Portland families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. Assisting Hands Home Care will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call us today at 503-664-7934 to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for with professionalism and compassion.