How Sound Therapy Can Reduce Symptoms of Dementia
Dementia often begins as confusion and memory loss, eventually leading to a state where patients cannot communicate verbally or connect socially. This makes managing this disease a challenging undertaking for all parties involved.
One approach that may help alleviate symptoms of dementia is soothing sound therapy. This form of music therapy uses a person’s individual musical interests and preferences as an effective form of communication.
Music that invokes emotions and memories in those with dementia is ideal, as it activates a part of the brain responsible for memory storage.
Music not only brings back happy memories, but it can also help calm someone suffering from dementia. It helps improve moods by stabilizing the brain through certain hormones, relieving anxiety and depression alike.
A recent study suggests that soothing music could potentially improve cognitive, emotional and behavioural aspects of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers tested a small group of Alzheimer’s patients to investigate the effects of music at a low frequency (40 hertz) on cognition, clarity and alertness levels. They observed encouraging results.
Music can help soothe dementia-related pain and have a beneficial effect on patient-caregiver interactions. For instance, playing music while providing baths to someone suffering from severe AD can make the experience more pleasant and less stressful for all involved.
Listening to music has also been proven to reduce aggressive behavior in patients who have had a stroke or other health issues. This may be because the sounds of music, such as a rhyming song, lullaby or chant, trigger certain hormone releases and relax the nervous system.
This can lead to increased trust and confidence, as well as less frustration with their environment. Furthermore, it gives patients a sense of control in their everyday life.
A therapist might begin the session by playing a simple, soothing song to grab the patient’s attention before transitioning into more complex pieces. Some patients may respond by clapping their hands while others might sing or dance along to the music.
The therapist may encourage the patient to sing along or move along with the music, discuss its lyrics, and even write their own song – which can be both enjoyable and therapeutic.
Another popular approach is to encourage people to sing and dance together in a group setting. This approach often works well with younger, more energetic participants and provides them with an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Singing and dancing can be particularly therapeutic for elderly individuals with dementia. This form of activity helps to spark their imaginations and motivates them to join in on the fun as much as possible.
There is no cure for dementia, but music has been scientifically proven to have a beneficial effect on people’s health and wellbeing. Plus, it’s an affordable and straightforward technique that can significantly enhance someone’s quality of life.
