Music with Alzheimer's Patients

The power of music to make a difference in the lives of Alzheimer’s patients is a well-documented phenomenon. It is, of course, a quality of life intervention. It is not going to stop the progression of the disease nor will it slow it down. What music does is to bring the individual an opportunity to experience pleasure and a sense of familiarity and competence when most opportunities for this are rapidly fading. It also provides an opportunity for interaction with family members and friends. Some researchers have observed people standing up from their chairs or wheelchairs and asking someone to dance when certain familiar songs are played. In the hospital where I work we routinely have the nurses and aides get people up dancing to “In the Mood,” “Pretty Baby,” “School Days” and “The Hokey-Pokey.” Oftentimes these same patients would not want to take any exercise at all or interact with another human. Familiar music is the magical intervention that gets them up smiling and moving about, no matter how slowly. We also know from researchers that the mere act of smiling causes the release of endorphins and other feel-good chemicals. For about 30 minutes after the music therapy session, the patients often eat better, are less combative and interact better with staff and fellow patients or family members. The power of music to make a difference in the lives of Alzheimer’s patients is a well-documented phenomenon. It is, of course, a quality of life intervention. It is not going to stop the progression of the disease nor will it slow it down. What music does is to bring the individual an opportunity to experience pleasure and a sense of familiarity and competence when most opportunities for this are rapidly fading. It also provides an opportunity for interaction with family members and friends. Some researchers have observed people standing up from their chairs or wheelchairs and asking someone to dance when certain familiar songs are played. In the hospital where I work we routinely have the nurses and aides get people up dancing to “In the Mood,” “Pretty Baby,” “School Days” and “The Hokey-Pokey.” Oftentimes these same patients would not want to take any exercise at all or interact with another human. Familiar music is the magical intervention that gets them up smiling and moving about, no matter how slowly. We also know from researchers that the mere act of smiling causes the release of endorphins and other feel-good chemicals. For about 30 minutes after the music therapy session, the patients often eat better, are less combative and interact better with staff and fellow patients or family members. As always, live music is preferable to recorded music, but it is easy enough just to sing one-on-one with your family member or loved one. Favorites here are “You Are My Sunshine,” “My Old Kentucky Home,” and “Amazing Grace.” As always, live music is preferable to recorded music, but it is easy enough just to sing one-on-one with your family member or loved one. Favorites here are “You Are My Sunshine,” “My Old Kentucky Home,” and “Amazing Grace.”