Music is a Miracle for Alzheimer's patients (and their caregivers)
In my experience as a singer working specifically with residents in memory care, I have repeatedly seen an almost miraculous "awakening" that occurs when carefully chosen music is sung live with the people who have memory deficits from Alzheimer's or other cognitive decline. It is still, after witnessing it time after time for the past 7+ years, so incredibly moving. I have seen people who are wheelchair-bound and basically unresponsive, lift their head up, open their eyes and begin singing with me. Often staff and family also react to this "awakening" as miraculous, when they see the person still inside and able to respond, sometimes even when they don't know their own name or recognize family anymore. It's a gift of connection that is so precious and amazing! This very powerful aspect of music triggers memories stored in a different part of the brain, usually the last affected. And when it can be activated, the positive effects last for a while, bringing joy to both the individual and their caregiver.
There are also some excellent programs (MusicandMemory.org) which use the same concept but with technology instead of a live singer. That also has merit and proven benefit to the listener, however, in seeing responses to both live and recorded music, the hands-down best is the live performance because of the vital human connection and interaction with the singer. And, of course, a singer can custom design programs for specific groups or individuals and be responsive to changing them upon getting feedback as to which songs are best received. There is also the aspect of giving eye contact, a warm smile, a touch on the arm, and the energy of the song.
When you take into account that most people living in memory care have a full 95% of their time idle, aside from activities of daily living, having a musical "intervention" be it live or through technology can increase connection, quality of life and joy for those living with Alzheimer's Disease or other dementia.
For those caring for a loved one at home, music can provide a welcome stimulation and connection via watching favorite musicals on video or streamed, and through the use of a device which can create a custom playlist, such as iTunes or Google Play Music, Amazon Music, etc. The creation of a highly personalized list of favorite songs is essential. Finding just the ones that produce the greatest "happiness effect" and bring pleasant memories back is the goal. Also, if you can add stimulation for other senses, such as photos for visual memory stimulation, and objects for tactile interest -- jewelry, memento from a trip, any other object that has happy memories attached, the effect is multiplied.
I highly encourage caregivers, both family and professional, to explore the amazing possibilities and power of music and memory!
There are also some excellent programs (MusicandMemory.org) which use the same concept but with technology instead of a live singer. That also has merit and proven benefit to the listener, however, in seeing responses to both live and recorded music, the hands-down best is the live performance because of the vital human connection and interaction with the singer. And, of course, a singer can custom design programs for specific groups or individuals and be responsive to changing them upon getting feedback as to which songs are best received. There is also the aspect of giving eye contact, a warm smile, a touch on the arm, and the energy of the song.
When you take into account that most people living in memory care have a full 95% of their time idle, aside from activities of daily living, having a musical "intervention" be it live or through technology can increase connection, quality of life and joy for those living with Alzheimer's Disease or other dementia.
For those caring for a loved one at home, music can provide a welcome stimulation and connection via watching favorite musicals on video or streamed, and through the use of a device which can create a custom playlist, such as iTunes or Google Play Music, Amazon Music, etc. The creation of a highly personalized list of favorite songs is essential. Finding just the ones that produce the greatest "happiness effect" and bring pleasant memories back is the goal. Also, if you can add stimulation for other senses, such as photos for visual memory stimulation, and objects for tactile interest -- jewelry, memento from a trip, any other object that has happy memories attached, the effect is multiplied.
I highly encourage caregivers, both family and professional, to explore the amazing possibilities and power of music and memory!
For more information and related links, visit the following websites:
https://musicandmemory.org
Music and Memory is the non-profit organization bringing training, equipment and great musical happiness via iPods/tablets and personalized music to nursing homes around the US and Canada.
NPR Story: For Elders with Dementia Music Sparks Great Awakenings
Excellent coverage of this topic on National Public Radio
https://musicandmemory.org
Music and Memory is the non-profit organization bringing training, equipment and great musical happiness via iPods/tablets and personalized music to nursing homes around the US and Canada.
NPR Story: For Elders with Dementia Music Sparks Great Awakenings
Excellent coverage of this topic on National Public Radio
Montessori Method and Alzheimers - Brenner Pathways
This video gives an overview of the Montessori Method used and promoted by Tom & Karen Brenner. It is a helpful, hopeful method for engaging and connecting with those living with Alzheimer's in a meaningful, positive way. Using objects from nature, or specific treasured items, along with music and rhythm and art, the Brenners establish a solid protocol for both professional and family caregivers.
Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet
Helpful Links:About Alzheimer's
This site offers professionally produced free videos to share with others to educate and inform about Alzheimer's Disease. www.aboutalz.org
Alzheimer's Association Alzheimer's Association Caregiver Center: www.alz.org/care A new offering from the Alzheimer's Association with specific health & wellness advice for Caregivers Alzheimer's Foundation of America An excellent content-rich website for caregivers with many links to other resources and information. http://www.alzfdn.org Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's Blog http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alzheimers-disease/DS00161 |
World Alzheimer's Day: September 21On a global basis, a new case of Alzheimer's is diagnosed every 4 seconds! This is such a shocking statistic that I can hardly wrap my mind around it. My heart breaks for all the lives that are impacted by this disease, by this worldwide epidemic that is stealing memories and lives, devastating so many families financially and emotionally. And it motivates me to redouble my energies to do everything within my power to help those afflicted and their families. My efforts seem like a very small drop in an impossibly large bucket. But, I am reminded of a saying by Bette Reese: "If you think you're too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito." I may be small, but I am persistent.
So, I will continue to read, write, blog, talk, connect, contribute, and reach out to lift another caregiver up. In the words of one of my favorite songs (Rising in Love) by folksinger/songwriter, David Roth: "Lifting each other up, instead of giving one another a shove, we won't be falling at all, we'll be rising in love." I think that's a beautiful sentiment and we will only begin to conquer Alzheimer's Disease by lifting each other up. That's my commitment to you, the caregiver. Each day, in every way - lifting your spirits, increasing your knowledge, offering helpful advice and tips, and a forum to discuss and vent and hope together. Until Alzheimer's is vanquished. |
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Senior Helpers partners with nationally known expert & trainer for family and professional caregivers of those with dementia, Teepa Snow
Original content © 2012-2023 Karen Bonnell all rights reserved