The Power of Music for the Elderly

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.

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.

Music Can Ease Pain

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.

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.

Singing Can Help Stroke Survivors RecoverMusic 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.

How to Harness the Healing Power of MusicThere 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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