Music and dementia care

When caring for a relative who has moderate to advanced memory loss, it can sometimes seem like they have disappeared into their own world. How do you create connection and support their quality of life when they seem capable of so little?

Music is proving to be one good answer to this challenge. Research shows that music is processed in parts of the brain that remain lively long after a person’s ability to “name that tune” is gone. Hearing familiar songs brings up old memories, essentially reconnecting a person to his or her sense of self and to times past.

Music can be a fun and valuable part of your caregiving toolkit. For instance, you can

• stimulate with lively tunes, especially music with a pronounced beat. This can help motivate your relative to get through tasks such as bathing and dressing.
• calm with soft, harmonious music that tends toward lullaby. Use quiet music to encourage them to take a nap or to soothe them at bedtime.
• redirect to address or avoid agitation. For instance, play favorite sing-along tunes at a time of day your relative is apt to pace or become irritable.
• connect with them through songs that prompt shared movement. Maybe dancing, or just toe tapping, swaying, or silly gestures.

You might look through some of their old records (or tapes and CDs). If the technology to play them is not available, search for the artists on a music streaming service or YouTube. You can even put together a playlist and have your relative listen with headphones.

For most purposes, strive for music that your relative knows and loves:

• Songs from childhood, with happy lyrics
• Music from youth (age 18–25), for memories of an energetic time in life
• Tunes of a favorite composer or performer that recall meaningful occasions
• Hymns and other religious music for comfort

Observe your loved one’s response to the music and make changes as needed. 

Do you need help with a loved one’s dementia?
We have seen time and time again how challenging this disease can be for everyone involved. As the Roanoke and Lynchburg experts in family caregiving, we at Gentle Shepherd Hospice have years of experience supporting older adults and their loved ones on this journey. Let us help make it a little easier. Call us at 1-800-789-0586 (toll-free) to learn more.