The Power of Music for the Elderly

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The Power of Music for the Elderly
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Humans have believed in the power of music for
thousands of years. Music transcends language and
culture, communicating emotions and connecting us
in a way that words cannot. Research over the
last few decades has found that music is more
powerful than we ever imagined. When it comes to
seniors, music can be as beneficial as medicine.
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Music Can Ease Pain
Multiple studies have found that music is an
effective pain reliever, and it can work on its
own or along with other forms of therapy. Along
with managing chronic pain, music therapy has
been associated with reduced use of pain
relievers and a better quality of life. Music
appears to disrupt the brain's pain-stress-pain
feedback loop, altering a person's perception of
the physical pain.
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Music Can Improve Mood, Agitation, and Cognition
in Dementia Patients
Music can spark profound changes in people with
Alzheimer's and dementia, even in the late stages
of the disease. A person's ability to engage with
music, especially singing and rhythm remains
intact even well into the disease. Listening to
music with strong associations, particularly
music the person listened to during their young
adult years, can spark positive responses as the
connection with music remains strong, even as
memories fade. Non-verbal dementia patients who
become agitated due to frustration or
overstimulation can often be soothed with singing
and rhythmic music, even when other strategies
fail.
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Music Can Help Parkinson's Patients Regain
Function
Several studies have found that music therapy can
help Parkinson's patients regain functioning,
sometimes more effectively than physical therapy.
Rhythm music can offer a template for the brain
to stimulate the impulse to move and establish a
tempo. A few neuroscience studies have also found
that some types of music can stimulate the
production of serotonin and dopamine, both of
which are diminished in patients with PD.
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Singing Can Help Stroke Survivors Recover
Music therapy is often used to help elderly
people with dementia and Alzheimer's, although
it's also helpful for helping stroke victims
recover sooner. One study found that people who
listened to their favorite music while recovering
from a stroke were able to regain their ability
to communicate and recognize words faster than
people who listened to audiobooks or nothing.
Music was also found to decrease confusion and
depression among stroke victims.
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How to Harness the Healing Power of Music
There are several ways caregivers can help loved
ones recover or improve their quality of life at
home

• Play music that was popular when your loved one
  was in his or her 20s and 30s.
• Incorporate music into a daily routine. A good
  example is playing music with a slow tempo before
  bed or in the afternoon to help a loved one
  relax.
• Attend local concerts together.
• Sign up for music classes or music therapy
  sessions.
• For people with dementia, try playing music as
  the person walks to improve gait or as background
  music to improve mood.
• Try giving your loved one an mP3 player or CD
  with headphones so they can listen to their
  favorite music at bedtime or whenever they like.
• Play fast tempo music during walks to stimulate
  the heart and brain.

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Thanks for Watching
No need to ask your ageing loved ones to move
away from the comfort of their homes to get help
with their failing health. Home Care Assistance
York caregivers are ready to assist you with all
the general and medical needs of seniors.
Home Care Assistance York www.homecareassistanceyo
rk.com Address 2304 Linglestown Road Harrisburg,
PA 17110 Contact Us [phone]