Music Therapy For Alzheimer's Disease
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, controlling 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.
Takeaway
What are the disadvantages of music therapy for Alzheimer's disease and dementia patients?
Music therapy is generally believed to be a safe and effective complementary treatment for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, in some cases, music may evoke painful, instead of pleasant, memories. Additionally, music therapy may not be recommended for severe AD patients, who may become confused or agitated by certain types of music.
There is also evidence that music therapy may not have sustained benefits. In a narrative synthesis systematic review of 18 studies, researchers concluded that music therapy could produce short-term benefits in mood and behavioral symptoms, but not long-term positive outcomes.
How does a music therapist help with Alzheimer's disease?
A music therapist may help an individual with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by conducting monitored sessions during which the participant listens to, makes, or otherwise interacts with music. There is evidence that listening to music enhances category fluency—the ability to name things that belong to a certain category—in people with AD dementia, as well as healthy older adults.
It is thought that certain types of music therapy are more efficacious than others. For example, in one study, researchers separated participants into a singing group, a lyric reading group, and a control group. They found that singing was more effective in improving verbal fluency and alleviating psychiatric symptoms than lyric reading. This suggests that a trained music therapist may help with Alzheimer’s disease by prompting a participant to sing their favorite song or learn a new one.
Does music therapy reduce agitation in dementia?
Agitation can be a challenge in individuals with dementia as it may further impact social interaction and create greater obstacles to care. However, music therapy can help decrease irritability and distress in individuals experiencing varying stages of dementia. Researchers in one meta-analysis concluded that music interventions are effective in reducing agitation in dementia patients.
When attempting to reduce agitation through music therapy, avoiding commercials, loud feedback, or other interruptions can be important. To do this, it may be necessary to use a premium version of a streaming service or a reliable CD player.
What kind of music is best for Alzheimer's patients?
The type of music that is best for people with Alzheimer’s disease will typically depend on the person. If an individual with dementia has an emotional connection to a song, listening can bring back happy memories.
There is also evidence that music making can have beneficial cognitive and behavioral effects. In a music therapy study titled “Comparative Efficacy of Active Group Music Intervention versus Group Music Listening in Alzheimer's Disease”, researchers compared the impacts of receptive and active interventions on Alzheimer’s dementia symptoms. Active musical interventions are those in which participants make music, while receptive interventions focus on listening to music.
Researchers found that participants in the active music group experienced greater improvements in cognition and behavioral symptoms than those in the receptive group. These findings suggest that music therapy with a focus on creating music can be more effective than interventions involving listening to music.
Does music help prevent Alzheimer's?
Music cannot prevent Alzheimer’s. However, there is evidence that exposure to music therapy may help slow disease progression. In one review, researchers concluded that music therapy could “delay and decelerate the neurodegeneration in individuals at risk for AD, such as individuals with genetic risk or subjective cognitive decline”.
What is the best source for help if someone has Alzheimer's disease?
Generally, the best source for help with Alzheimer’s disease will be a healthcare provider, whether that is a neurologist, general practitioner, or geriatric specialist. The most effective treatment plan for an individual with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) will typically depend on their medical history, specific symptoms, age, and disease progression. Mild Alzheimer’s disease can cause cognitive impairment that isn’t necessarily memory-related. Mild AD patients may be prescribed AChE inhibitors, which can improve their cognitive status during the early stages of the disease.
Moderate Alzheimer’s disease can cause challenges related to long-term memory, working memory, and verbal memory. Moderate AD patients may also be treated with AChE inhibitors and encouraged to participate in memory-enhancing activities, such as completing puzzles or playing word games.
As the disease progresses, patients may experience a significant increase in memory impairment, which can make everyday activities and cognitive tasks more difficult. Care during this time may be more comprehensive, as people in the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease typically require near-constant supervision. Caregivers of people with severe dementia may need to seek information from specialists who have experience treating late-stage Alzheimer’s disease.
What are the benefits of music therapy?
In Alzheimer’s disease patients, music therapy is thought to have an enhancing effect on cognition, mood, and other psychiatric symptoms. In a systematic review of eight randomized controlled trials, researchers concluded that music therapy may be used to improve autobiographical memory, executive function, and attention.
Music therapy is thought to be particularly effective for Alzheimer’s disease due to the location of the brain regions that are responsible for music memory. Studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging show that music activates distinct neural networks that are less affected by the disease than other parts of the brain. This has led experts to suggest that people with AD may benefit from music therapy despite experiencing losses in episodic memory.
What calms an Alzheimer's patient?
In many patients, Alzheimer’s disease affects mood, potentially leading to irritability, stress, or anxiety. Caregivers can help sooth people with Alzheimer’s disease by talking to them in a calm manner, touching them gently, and maintaining a comforting environment. It can also help to divert their attention with a new activity.
What type of music helps with memory?
There is evidence that classical music may be a memory enhancer. Experts believe classical music can help listeners consolidate memories and improve recall. In people who have experienced cognitive impairment, listening to music that evokes a past experience—regardless of type—can help improve memory.
How does music impact the brain?
Listening to music can activate several different regions of the brain, leading to numerous potential effects. For example, research suggests that brain correlates involved in emotion may function differently when music is played, which helps explain the emotional responses music can evoke. There is also evidence that music can impact the brain in ways that facilitate improved memory, processing speed, and executive function. For example, studies show that musicians are thought to have advantages when it comes to global cognition.
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