By Carol Church, Writer, Family Album
Reviewed by Linda Bobroff, PhD, RD, LD/N, Department of Family, Youth, and Community Sciences, University of Florida
Music is universal, speaking to humanity regardless of language, nationality, gender, state of health, or age. (Have you ever seen the eyes of a baby light up and their feet begin to kick when a live band began to play?) Knowing what we do about music’s power, it’s no wonder that scientists have begin to investigate its ability to bestow benefits on older adults living with dementia. Music’s known multifaceted effects on the brain suggest tantalizing possibilities for patients who may be struggling with depression, memory loss, and/or reduced cognitive function.
Singing Sessions and Music Listening
In a 2013 study of 89 Finnish elders with dementia and their caregivers, researchers looked at how two types of musical enrichment programs might benefit these older adults and their families. One group spent 10 weeks participating in weekly singing sessions with a trained music teacher. The elders and their caregivers sang familiar folk songs and popular songs from past eras, and also were assigned to sing at home. At the end of the program, participants were encouraged to keep singing together.
In the other group, elders and their caregivers listened to familiar songs on CDs and talked about the memories and feelings the music brought up. They were also asked to listen to these songs at home. Again, at the end of the program, participants were encouraged to keep listening.
A control group was included for the sake of comparison; these elders and caretakers did not participate in any special programs.
Positive Effects on Cognitive Performance
When researchers compared the cognitive performance of the dementia patients in the musical program groups to those in the control group, they saw that musical activity was linked to small improvements in cognitive functioning, both in the short and long term (six months later). Singing, in particular, seemed to improve memory—in particular, memory of people from childhood.
Mood and Quality of Life Improved
Both music listening and singing also were tied to short-term improvements in mood in people with dementia, and singing was tied to longer-term improvements in quality of life. What’s more, participating in musical programming (especially singing) increased the emotional well-being of caregivers, too.
Music has remarkably powerful and complex effects on human emotions and cognition, affecting multiple areas of the brain. These findings, while preliminary, suggest that regular music listening and/or singing could have real benefits for people with dementia and their caregivers. This type of intervention is inexpensive, enjoyable and enriching for families and patients alike.
References:
Sarkamo, T., et al. Cognitive, Emotional, and Social Benefits of Regular Musical Activities in Early Dementia: Randomized Controlled Study. Gerontologist, 54(4), 634-50. doi: 10.1093/geront/gnt100
Photo Credits: Jevtic/iStock/Thinkstock
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