There are a lot of things we as individuals disagree on: politics, money, religion, diet and a whole host of other preferences. But one thing everyone can agree on, no matter what age or culture, is the power and enjoyment of music. It shapes our societies, allows us to pass on stories and ideas and evolves with us. It’s an evergreen source of entertainment, happiness and opportunity for socialization, whether we’re listening to it or participating in its creation. Much like when we smell a certain scent or see an old photo, hearing a song that has meaning to us can instantly transport us back to a time and place.
Knowing how integral music is to our lives, then, it’s no wonder that it can have transformative effects far beyond its entertainment value. New research suggests that music can be a powerful tool for memory retrieval in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other forms of memory impairment.
“The human psyche is an amazing and mysterious force, and while we can’t say that we totally understand it, we are starting to see the effects of what things like music can do to reach the depths of our souls,” says Erica Labb, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford. “Neurologists are making strides in uncovering the reasons why music affects memory so greatly, and more importantly, how it can be used to help improve the quality of life for individuals whose memories are fading or lost.”
Explaining the Transformative Effects of Music
According to researchers, there are two theories that explain why music plays such a powerful role in memory recall. The first theory revolves around the idea of “emotional content.” Music is by nature emotional (think of a rousing symphony or a sad ballad), and so the simple act of hearing a song can trigger memories associated with a specific emotion. The second theory is based on the fact that when we learn a song, it gets stored in our brain as a “procedural memory.” These memories are usually associated with repetitive activities and routines (like muscle memory). Dementias mainly affect episodic memory (which are memories associated with events and occurrences), but tend to leave procedural memories intact.
These emotional and procedural triggers caused by music mean that it may be able to do more than just simply allow people to access past memories. It can also allow dementia patients to learn new things and potentially form new memories. In 2010, researchers discovered that individuals with Alzheimer’s disease were able to recall phrases and words much more easily when they were sung instead of spoken. This is leading to new research into whether dementia patients can learn new and important information by setting the instructions to music.
Music and Its Use In Dementia Care
You may have seen some of these videos on YouTube or had it happen to someone you love: a dementia patient who is fairly unresponsive listens to a song from his youth. Suddenly, he’s singing along with the lyrics, tapping his feet – maybe even waxing poetic about memories associated with the song.
Music therapy is becoming more and more common in dementia treatment due to its ability to “awaken” residents and improve their quality of life. There’s even a nonprofit organization, Music & Memory, that’s working with communities around the country to promote the use of personalized music therapy that goes far beyond just a playlist.
According to Dan Cohen, the founder of Music & Memory: “Music from our youth is deeply embedded in our neuro-network, and it’s cumulative over time. So if people listen to music for three hours a week over a 10-month period, many of their cognitive test scores actually improve, according to a NY State DOH Dementia Grant program study. If a drug became available that could do this, it would quickly be a multibillion dollar blockbuster and everyone who has a family member with Alzheimer’s would be asking for it.”
Another benefit, he says, is that music allows people to reconnect with themselves. “When people go into [a dementia care facility], they’re forced to leave much of their old life behind; much of their identity. So reconnecting with one’s self is personal and important; and music allows people to do this.”
Besides the power to recall memories, music can help shift moods, manage agitation and anxiety, facilitate cognitive function, coordinate motor movements and stimulate positive interactions. It also has been shown to reduce pain and anxiety in individuals with diseases that damage brain chemistry, like Parkinson’s disease.
Melody Connections at Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford
Music plays an important role in the lives of residents at Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford. Melody Connections, our innovative music therapy program, creates personalized playlists for our residents with dementia based on information from their families and the residents themselves. Each resident then receives an iPod and headphones that allows them to listen to the music they once loved.
“We’ve seen our residents regain access to deep-seated memories which give them a new sense of life,” says Labb. “Amazing moments have taken place as our residents suddenly are able to be present, have conversations and be engaged in the world around them. It’s a beautiful thing to see, especially when a family member is able to have a meaningful interaction with a loved one they thought had been lost forever.”
While we may never know exactly why music plays such an essential role in the brain, what we do know is that it will continue to have far-reaching implications in the lives of dementia residents and their family members. And, at the very least, music brings joy to all our lives, and we could all use a little more of that no matter what age we are.
If you would like more information about Melody Connections, our music therapy program, or our innovative dementia care programming, please contact us at 978.692.9541.
Innovative, Wellness-Focused Memory Care.
Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford provides assisted living memory care that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia or memory impairment, we’ve created a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity and individual preferences. Our memory care professionals receive specialized and ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – making a truly positive impact on the lives of our residents each and every day.
Comprehensive Services
At Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford, we know no two residents are alike. That’s why we’ve designed our services to address the distinct challenges each resident faces. With comfort, safety and happiness as our top priorities, residents receive unmatched personalized attention, no matter the stage of memory loss.
Community Amenities
Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford features a beautiful residential design. Every inch has been thoughtfully designed to enhance the lives of those with memory loss. Soft colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations are placed throughout the community to create a peaceful and secure environment, so residents may enjoy great comfort, familiarity and security.