How Singing Can Help People With Alzheimer’s

People with Alzheimer’s disease often tend to speak less as the
disease progresses, and speech can become increasingly confused. Now a
small study suggests that singing familiar songs can boost positive
feelings and encourage speech and social interaction in those with
mid-to late-stage Alzheimer’s disease.


Many Alzheimer’s patients retain the ability to remember songs and
music from their earlier years. For the new study, researchers at
Bar-Ilan University in Israel gave group music therapy sessions to six
men and women, aged 65 to 83, with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s
disease. Participants joined in group therapy sessions twice weekly over
a one-month period.


Familiar songs were selected, including national anthems and songs
from the participants’ childhoods in the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s.
Conversations among group members were observed during and after the
music therapy sessions.


The researchers found that those who participated in these singing
sessions talked more during and after music therapy sessions. Many
reminisced about learning and enjoying the songs when they were young,
and they tended to express a sense of accomplishment and belonging. Some
complimented others on their singing, and most looked forward to
continuing the singing sessions.


The findings support earlier research showing that music and singing
can be beneficial for those with Alzheimer’s disease, helping to ease
agitation and encourage social connection. Familiar songs and music
appear to be particularly helpful for these individuals, especially if
they enjoyed singing and music in the past.


A study presented last year at a Society for Neuroscience meeting in
San Diego, for example, found that singing as part of a group led to
improvements in thinking and memory skills and boosted mood in elderly
men and women with dementia. Participants sang familiar songs over four
months, including familiar songs like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and
“When You Wish Upon a Star.”


At the end of four months, those who sang along during regular music
sessions scored far higher, over all, on tests of memory and thinking
skills than those who didn’t sing along. They also reported higher
scores of overall satisfaction and improved mood.


Music is known to boost mood and ease stress when used appropriately.
Many senior care centers and Alzheimer’s support groups hold music and
sing-along sessions in communities nationwide. And a growing body of
research suggests that music -- like art and other creative forms of
therapy -- can stir emotions and memories, enhance enjoyment and
self-esteem, and enrich the lives of people with dementia.


Additional tips for music and the person with Alzheimer's include:


--Pick songs or music that is familiar and enjoyable for the person
with Alzheimer's disease. Tapes, CDs, radio programs, even live music
may be beneficial. But avoid music that may be too loud or interrupted
by noisy commercials; too much stimulation can cause confusion and
agitation.


--Turn off the TV, and close the door or curtains to avoid over-stimulation.


--Choose music to set the mood you're hoping to create: Quiet music
may be suitable before bedtime, while soft but upbeat tunes may be
appropriate for a special birthday celebration.


--Encourage those with Alzheimer's to clap or sing along or play a musical instrument.


--Supplement music with fond reminiscences and family photos.


The American Music Therapy Association can provide a list of qualified music professionals in your area. And never be afraid to sing a song or hum along on your own.





Sources: Ayelet Dassa, PhD, and Dorit Amir: “The Role of Singing
Familiar Songs in Encouraging Conversation Among People with Middle to
Late Stage Alzheimer’s Disease.” Journal of Music Therapy, Volume 51, Issue 2, pages 131-153.

By www.ALZinfo.org,