Dementia is a neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, and it is often characterised by a decline in cognitive function, memory loss, and behavioural changes. Although there is currently no cure for dementia, various forms of therapy have been found to be helpful in managing the symptoms and improving the quality of life for those living with the condition. 

One such therapy is music therapy, which uses music and its elements to help improve physical, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning. In recent years, music therapy has gained significant attention for its ability to help people with dementia, and research has shown that it can provide a range of benefits, including reducing agitation and anxiety, enhancing mood, and improving communication and socialisation. In this article, we will explore how music therapy can help people with dementia, and why it is an increasingly popular form of therapy in the field of dementia care.

Understanding dementia and its effects on the brain

Dementia is a general term used to describe a decline in cognitive function, memory loss, and changes in behaviour that interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for about 60-80% of cases. Other types of dementia include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Regardless of the type, dementia affects the brain in different ways, causing changes in memory, thinking, and behaviour. It damages the communication pathways between brain cells and leads to a gradual loss of brain tissue.

Suggested reading: Dementia Risks and Care: 9 Steps You Can Take to Slow Down Dementia

What is music therapy?

Music therapy is a form of therapy that uses music and its elements to help individuals improve their physical, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning. It is a recognised healthcare profession that uses evidence-based music interventions to achieve individualised goals within a therapeutic relationship.

Music therapy can take many forms, including singing, listening to music, playing instruments, composing music, and moving to music. The goals of music therapy may vary depending on the individual's needs, but they often include improving communication, enhancing mood, reducing stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation, and improving the overall quality of life.

Music therapy can be used with people of all ages and abilities, including children with developmental disabilities, adults with mental health conditions, and elderly individuals with dementia. It is a non-invasive, non-pharmacological approach to healthcare that can provide numerous benefits, such as improving cognitive function, enhancing social skills, and promoting emotional well-being.

How does music therapy work?

Music therapy works by using the elements of music, such as rhythm, melody, and harmony, to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. When music is played or listened to, it activates various parts of the brain, including those responsible for processing emotions, memories, and movement. 

By using music in a therapeutic context, a trained music therapist can harness these neurological processes to achieve specific therapeutic goals. The music therapist will begin by conducting an assessment of the individual's needs and abilities. They will then develop a personalised music therapy plan that incorporates various music interventions, such as singing, listening to music, playing instruments, composing music, and moving to music.

The goals of music therapy may vary depending on the individual's needs. For example, music therapy may be used to improve communication skills, reduce anxiety, improve cognitive function, or promote relaxation. The music therapist will use specific musical interventions to achieve these goals, such as playing calming music to reduce anxiety or encouraging movement to music to improve coordination. 

Music therapy also works by providing a non-invasive, non-pharmacological approach to healthcare. It can be used in conjunction with other treatments or as a standalone intervention. By engaging the individual in a positive, enjoyable activity, music therapy can improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall quality of life.

Overall, music therapy works by using music to address a wide range of physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs in a therapeutic context. By harnessing the neurological processes involved in music processing, music therapy can provide numerous benefits for individuals of all ages and abilities.

Benefits of music therapy for people living with dementia

Approximately 90% of people living with dementia present with symptoms including agitation, irritability, and depression at some stage. Music therapy has been found to be particularly effective in improving the quality of life for people with dementia. 

According to the 2018 Cochrane Review on music-based therapeutic interventions for people with dementia, 22 trials demonstrated that such treatments can effectively alleviate symptoms of depression and overall behavioural problems. Furthermore, they may also enhance emotional well-being and alleviate anxiety, leading to an overall improvement in quality of life.

Another study, titled The use of a music therapy choir to reduce depression and improve quality of life in older adults, involved 40 participants who actively participated in a music-therapist-led choir for 12 weeks. The study found that participants reported a 57% improvement in their mean quality of life score and a 54% reduction in depressive symptoms. Additionally, participants experienced physical gains, improved mood, and memory improvement. Here are other benefits of music therapy for people living with dementia:

Reducing agitation and anxiety

People with dementia often experience agitation and anxiety, which can be distressing for both the individual and their caregivers. Music therapy can help reduce these symptoms by providing a calming and soothing environment. Music can also help distract from the stressors in the environment and provide a positive sensory experience.

Enhancing mood

Music has the ability to evoke emotions and memories, and it can help improve mood in people with dementia. Music therapy can help reduce depression and increase positive affect, leading to an overall improvement in emotional well-being.

Improving cognitive function

Music therapy has been shown to improve cognitive function in people with dementia. Listening to music can stimulate the brain and help with memory recall while playing musical instruments can help with hand-eye coordination and motor skills.

Improving communication and socialisation

People with dementia may experience difficulties with expression and socialisation. Music therapy can provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to express themselves, communicate, and connect with others.

Overall, music therapy can provide a non-pharmacological approach to improving the quality of life for people with dementia. It can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve cognitive function, and enhance socialisation and communication. Music therapy is a low-risk intervention that can be easily incorporated into dementia care plans, making it a valuable tool for healthcare professionals and caregivers alike.

Suggested reading: How To Create A Dementia-Friendly Home

Implementing music therapy for people living with dementia

Implementing music therapy for people living with Dementia can be a rewarding and effective way to improve their quality of life. Here are some steps you can take to implement music therapy:

Find a music therapist

Look for a qualified music therapist with experience working with people living with Dementia. The Australian Music Therapy Association is a great resource to find a music therapist in your area. You can find their directory here.

Create a personalised music therapy plan

 Work with the music therapist to create a personalised music therapy plan for the individual. This may include a combination of listening to music, singing, playing instruments, and moving to music.

Adapt the music therapy to the individual

Music therapy should be adapted to the individual's needs and abilities. For example, individuals with advanced dementia may benefit more from listening to music than playing instruments.

Consider the individual’s music preferences

Considering the individual's music preferences is important in music therapy because it can enhance the effectiveness of the therapy and improve the overall experience for the individual.

Listening to preferred music can evoke positive emotions and memories, leading to increased engagement and motivation during therapy. By incorporating preferred music, music therapy can also provide a familiar and comforting environment, which can help reduce anxiety and stress.

Create a safe and supportive environment

Music therapy should be conducted in a safe and supportive environment. This may include minimising external distractions and ensuring that the individual is comfortable and engaged.

Suggested reading: 5 Stimulating and Helpful Home Activities for People With Dementia

People living with Dementia can find the perfect MATCH

Music therapy is a valuable tool for calming individuals with dementia, stimulating their memories, and improving symptoms. However, not all individuals have access to caregivers or music therapists who can provide music therapy. 

To address this issue, researchers from the University of Melbourne are developing an e-Health music therapy application called the Music Attuned Technology Care eHealth (MATCH), which will use sensors to monitor the person with dementia and assess their level of agitation. Sensors can detect changes in their heart rate and sweat on their skin. Microphones can record the speed and volume of their speech and the duration of pauses between words. Wearable sensors can sense changes in physical movement to make a personalised music therapy response.

The application will then select and play personalised music to calm the individual. The application aims to increase the positive impact of music therapy for individuals with dementia, but researchers recognise that it cannot replace the value of a human caregiver or music therapist. The Music Attuned Technology Care eHealth (MATCH) solution is funded by $2 million from the MRFF.

The MATCH team is testing the first version of the app with people with dementia and family carers who are living together in the community. If you are a person with dementia or a carer and are interested in taking part in an eight-week trial, you can sign up here.

How Tunstall can help you care for a loved one with Dementia

At Tunstall, we offer a tailored solution for people living with dementia, as well as for their carers and loved ones, to help manage risks and provide them the appropriate level of monitoring and assistance. 

Our range of Connected Care products from personal alarms, fall detectors, medical alert pendants and more are designed to help reduce anxiety for carers and family members, reduce the risk of hospital visits, and support independent living. To find out more about our products and services, contact us today.
Keep reading: Guide to Taking Care of a Loved One with Dementia