Over 5 million Americans are currently living with dementia and associated challenges, including  memory loss, difficulties communicating and changes in mood/behavior. Research has shown that music can be an effective method for treating these symptoms and coping with the challenges they present.

Music Therapy for seniors with dementia has the potential to boost mood and support emotional regulation, reducing behavioral outbursts and decreasing agitation due to stress. We can include interventions to maintain cognitive function and motor coordination, and to strengthen social and communication skills, which is especially important given the isolation many seniors are experiencing currently due to COVID. ​
Music Therapy services can be provided to individuals at home or in group settings.

~* Now offering virtual Music Therapy Telehealth sessions *~
Music therapy is one potential avenue to help seniors who are dealing with a variety of issues. It is a broad term that can apply to several techniques, ranging from music interventions to help those with dementia to playing instruments and interacting with music to improve social skills.

Simmons, C. (2023, May 23). Music Therapy for Seniors. RetireGuide.com. Retrieved July 15, 2023, from https://www.retireguide.com/retirement-life-leisure/healthy-aging/mental-wellness/music-therapy/

Music Therapy provides opportunities for:​

​- Memory recall 
- Positive changes in mood and emotional states
- Sense of control over life through successful experiences
- Anxiety and stress reduction for older adult and caregiver
- Nonpharmacological management of pain and discomfort
- Stimulation which provokes interest and engagement
- Social interaction with caregivers and families
- increased awareness of self and environment

Music Therapy can help by

 - contributing to reminiscence and satisfaction with life
​​- facilitating shared experiences and enjoyment as a family​
- supporting physical health and rehabilitation
- communicating through verbal and nonverbal interactions
​- providing respite for the caregiver

What might a Music Therapy session include for individuals with Dementia, Alzheimer's or Parkinson's?

Listening to Music
Familiar songs can elicit memories and provide structure for assisting clients in achieving their treatment goals. We work with our clients to help develop their personal relationship with music as a resource to trigger memories and promote desired changes in mood and behavior. Music Listening is provided in both live and recorded formats according to the client's preferences and therapeutic needs. We can also use music to inspire conversations, exploring the lyrical and emotional meanings within the musical elements of a song.

Singing
Singing is an accessible and popular form of musical activity that engages physical and mental/emotional function. Singing helps release endorphins and can produce a sense of elation and safety, inspiring a calming or energizing effect. Singing can be especially beneficial for people living with Parkinson's to support speech-related mechanisms such as respiration, phonation, articulation and resonance (*1). Previous experience in singing or playing an instrument is not required for a patient to benefit from music therapy services.

Composition
​Clients may also engage in songwriting, music composition or poetry writing. This can assist in organizing, understanding and expressing challenging thoughts and emotions. Songwriting can support a patient in maintaining and strengthening their sense of identity and self-worth, and may encourage a release of emotions that may be difficult to verbalize or otherwise communicate (*2). Some may engage in songwriting with the intention of leaving a priceless memory for loved ones or to add to their legacy.

What happens behind the scenes?
While the client is involved in a music therapy session, the Music Therapist is actively assessing and evaluating their behavioral and emotional response, adapting the activities and interventions in order to optimize the experience towards achieving the treatment goals.

* References​
1. Irons et al 2019, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ejp.1485
​2. ​Ahessy 2017, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/314857219_Songwriting_with_clients_who_have_dementia_A_case_study