Music Therapy For Alzheimer's Disease: Help For Memory And Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease can have devastating effects on the well-being of older adults, and there is currently no reliable cure. However, scientists have made some progress toward identifying treatments that could help manage symptoms. Many of these research efforts have focused on pharmaceuticals, but others have pointed toward a surprising alternate treatment: music. In general, there are several different types of music interventions for Alzheimer’s disease. Receptive music therapy techniques frequently involve listening to music to strengthen memory and cognitive functions, while active music therapy may guide clients in activities like singing, dancing, and percussion. Reported effects include improvements in memory recall, relaxation, mood, and cognitive function. Psychotherapy may prove to be helpful alongside music therapy, and one convenient way to seek this type of treatment may be through an online therapy platform.

How can music help with Alzheimer’s disease and memory?

Scientists are still working to understand precisely how exposure to music can help people with dementia. That said, it seems likely that the answer has something to do with the specific way that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) typically progresses through the brain. 

Research has shown that the effects of this disease seem to be a direct result of the buildup of a protein fragment called amyloid beta in the brains of affected people. Clusters of this peptide may damage and destroy nerve cells, leading to physical brain deterioration. As the brain shrinks and its structure is disrupted, an individual with AD usually starts to lose important cognitive abilities, such as memory, spatial and temporal organization, language skills, and motor control

People who live with the most common form of Alzheimer’s disease tend to progress along similar lines. The damage often begins in the limbic system, along with certain segments of the forebrain and the hippocampus, which can be important regions for controlling emotion and memory. The damage then frequently spreads to numerous other areas of the brain associated with functions like emotional memory, self-awareness, attention, behavior control, and personal identity.

However, large sections of the brain involved in processing sound, rhythm, and movement appear to receive relatively little damage until the very late stages of the disease. These less-damaged areas usually have many connections with other regions of the brain, including those involved in recalling memories, regulating emotion, and analyzing language. 

This might explain how exposure to music can produce dramatic effects, even in people with advanced Alzheimer’s disease. Musical memory, such as recollections of familiar songs or the ability to play an instrument, may persist long after a person has lost the ability to reliably remember important details of their life history.

Music listening as therapy for Alzheimer’s disease

Some of the earliest hints that music could be helpful for dementia came from observations by caregivers who played music for people living with AD. Individuals who have little recognition of their surroundings or the people closest to them often become much more engaged and aware when they hear familiar music. 

Sometimes, the effects of a music intervention can be quite startling. A person who usually can’t recall the names of their close relatives may suddenly recall detailed personal memories when a song from their adolescence is played as background music. Because musical memory can be strongly linked to the recollection of autobiographical details, it may help a person temporarily regain a sense of themselves.

Benefits of a music therapist and musical memory

Other notable benefits of this type of receptive music therapy can include the following:

• Enhanced mood: People with dementia often experience persistent depression, but listening to music may relieve apathy, sadness, and irritability.
• Reduced stress and anxiety: Alzheimer’s disease can be confusing and disorienting, leaving many individuals anxious, tense, and suspicious. Playing familiar music can provide a sense of relaxation and reduce the physiological symptoms of stress.
• Improved behavior: Individuals with AD may frequently become upset, restless, or aggressive, potentially posing a challenge to caregivers. A 2018 review found that listening to music could alleviate these behavioral and psychological symptoms, especially agitation.
• Enhanced cognitive function: People living with dementia often struggle to learn new information, but they may find it easier when a music therapist uses song lyrics or musical mnemonics as teaching aids.

Music listening protocols for Alzheimer’s treatment

Music therapists working with dementia patients have learned that certain approaches may be more helpful than others. Different individualized music interventions may be more appropriate for individuals with different challenges and needs.

Personalization of playlists

One factor that may be particularly important is personalization. Positive musical memory effects seem to be stronger when using individualized music playlists. In other words, songs with personal relevance for the person hearing them can be much more helpful in restoring self-awareness. Family members and caregivers often engage in a kind of informal receptive music therapy by playing or singing familiar songs for individuals with Alzheimer’s. 

Active music therapy for Alzheimer’s disease

Passive listening may not be the only way that individuals with Alzheimer’s disease can engage constructively with music. Active music therapy may enable individuals to create new music or interact with existing music. An active music intervention could involve activities like:

• Karaoke
• Group singing sessions led by a music therapist
• Playing musical instruments
• Clapping, foot-tapping, or using simple percussion instruments to accompany a beat
• “Free dance” with accompanying music
• Learning dance routines

Comparison between active and receptive music therapy

Research comparing active and receptive music therapy has found evidence that the active approach may be more effective at improving cognitive function in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Potential benefits can include enhanced language skills, improved fine motor control, and more awareness of place and time. 

Participating in group musical activities can also be an important way to foster social engagement in people with dementia. Those with Alzheimer’s disease often become withdrawn and isolated as communication with others becomes more difficult. An active music intervention, such as a drum circle or group sing-along, can provide a context for interacting with others. It may also boost an individual’s self-confidence by giving them a task they can perform competently.

Music Interventions For Alzheimer’s Prevention

The positive effects of music therapy may not be limited to improving mental health and quality of life in people with advanced Alzheimer’s disease. Regular engagement with music might also be able to slow the progression of the disease and delay or prevent its onset. 

Clinically significant dementia is often preceded by mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This condition involves less severe Alzheimer’s symptoms and is typically marked by memory loss and difficulties with vocabulary. These effects are often mild enough that they may not interfere with daily life, but many individuals displaying these symptoms develop more severe dementia within a few years

Music therapy for Alzheimer’s disease reduces symptoms of dementia

Some studies have found that music therapy can reduce the symptoms of mild cognitive impairment, suggesting that it may also slow the rate at which dementia progresses. More systematic research is likely needed to draw firm conclusions, since there can be many different individualized music interventions, and their implementation may vary a great deal between different music therapists. However, early results suggest this might be a promising form of treatment for Alzheimer’s disease prevention. 

Actively creating music may also be particularly effective. There’s a great deal of evidence showing that engaging in mentally stimulating activities appears to have a protective effect against dementia. Additionally, playing or learning a musical instrument may be particularly helpful. Some researchers have reported that musicians may be around 60% less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment or dementia. 

Therapy for Alzheimer’s prevention and support

Music therapy for Alzheimer’s disease may work most effectively in conjunction with other forms of treatment. Since dementia is often preceded by mood changes like depression, psychotherapy may be helpful for people at risk for this condition. Working with a therapist could improve your emotional well-being and help you stay motivated as you pursue healthy lifestyle adjustments. 

Benefits of online therapy for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia

Many people find that attending counseling over the internet can be more convenient than in-person treatment. Online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp can empower you to work with a mental health professional from the familiar setting of your own home. This may enhance your comfort with the process, especially if you’re already experiencing the potentially disorienting effects of mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s. 

Effectiveness of online therapy

Repeated trials have shown that web-based psychotherapy can be a beneficial therapeutic approach. According to a 2020 study, rehabilitation via online therapy for those experiencing mild cognitive impairment or dementia can be an effective form of treatment.