“Music is the literature of the heart; it commences where speech ends” – Alphonse de Lamartine.
While language can vary from place to place, one thing that stands true is that music is used universally. Whether it is the words in the song, the music accompanying, or the memories that are happening while a song is playing, we can all agree that music has a way of affecting your soul. The more a person is involved with music, the more parts of the brain are stimulated. For example, more brain activity happens when you play an instrument, or when you sing along, rather when you only listen.
There is still a great deal of research being conducted on the use of music. However, many studies have shown that the use of music in patients with dementia have led to those patients engaging more. If you think about how you are driving around, and a song comes on the radio from when you are younger, most of the time, the words come right to you, and if the words don’t come right away, you can usually recognize the music. The same rings true for those with dementia. Some studies have shown that patients with dementia are able to start singing right along with a song, while others show that they recognize the song with how their facial expressions will change.
Music therapy does not change the course of dementia, but it can allow a person to temporarily engage more during the time. Music can also be used to help with anxiety and agitation, which are common behaviors seen with patients with dementia. Music therapy can be done passively or actively. Passive music therapy is listening to music. This music can be live or recorded. Active music therapy is the use of simple instruments, such as a drum or egg shaker. Active music therapy is beneficial to those who do not use their hands as much anymore. The use of the simple instruments while listening to the music can help them maintain the strength that they do have.
Since music is universally enjoyed, and it brings such a great response to all levels of cognition, it is a great activity for all to participate in. You don’t have to have a formal music therapy program to benefit.
For more information on the types of music activities available at The Legacy (located inside some Evergreen Senior Living communities), or if you would like to volunteer to bring music to our residents, contact your local community and ask for the Life Enrichment Coordinator. Visit our website at www.EvergreenSLC.com for a list of our locations in Illinois and Indianapolis.
