In light of mental health awareness, dementia should not be taken lightly for our aging population. Not only does dementia affect the mental and physical health of our aging loved ones, but it also affects their emotional well-being. Depression is a common link to dementia because people with more symptoms of depression tend to suffer a more rapid decline in thinking and memory skills. While doctors often prescribe various risky medications and therapies, a healthier remedy may be closer than you think.
Studies from the University of Central Florida have revealed the magical effects of music on brain activity. In 2006, neuroscientist Kiminobu Sugaya and musician Ayako Yonetani explored how music impacts brain function and human behavior by reducing stress, pain and symptoms of depression as well as improving cognitive and motor skills, spatial-temporal learning and neurogenesis. Sugaya says: “Usually in the late stages, Alzheimer’s patients are unresponsive but once you put in the headphones that play [their favorite] music, their eyes light up. They start moving and sometimes singing. The effect lasts maybe 10 minutes or so even after you turn off the music.” By connecting seniors with their favorite songs, strong feelings of nostalgia put them in good moods. Not only that, but this helps brain function in recalling memories from notable periods in their lives.
Nursing homes and other care facilities are exploring music therapy to treat a wide range of cognitive and physical challenges to find renewed meaning and connection in their lives through personalized music. The non-profit organizationMusic & Memory brings personalized ipods to nursing homes and senior living communities. By training nursing home staff, elder care professionals, and family caregivers to personalize playlists of iPods/MP3 Players, Music & Memory aims to improve the quality of living for elders with Alzheimers. This has effectively enabled many struggling with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other cognitive and physical challenges to reconnect with the world through music-triggered memories. If you or a loved one is in need of memory care, WellPath Partners has referral connections to hundreds of facilities in California. Visit our website to learn more about the full range of our services and capabilities to help you.
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