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Alzheimer’s is a type of neurodegenerative disease that impacts memory and destroys other important mental functions of a person. This progressive disease usually starts slowly and worsens with time. Experts say that Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that has an impact on a person’s memory, behaviour and thinking.

Music is powerful and can enrich the lives of people with Alzheimer’s because it allows self-expression and engagement even after dementia has progressed. Experts say that studies show that music reduces agitation and also helps in improving behavioral issues that are common in the middle stages of the disease.

Listening to music or singing songs help provide emotional and behavioral benefits for people suffering with Alzheimer’s. Musical memories are often preserved in the patient's mind because key brain areas linked to musical memory are relatively undamaged by the disease.

Researchers at the University of California believe music stimulates many parts of the brain that affect language, mood, movement, sense of hearing, sight, sound and touch at the same time. They further said that the effect a song will have on someone can often be determined by a person’s past emotional experience with that song.

The American Music Therapy Association defined it as a “clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualised goals with a therapeutic relationship by a professional.” Some of the benefits of this therapy include improving mood and the immune system, encouraging movement, improving communication, etc.

Music therapy can be used as an instant mood booster. Health experts say that music can help adults with dementia get relief from anxiety and depression., Music can also increase the lung capacity by boosting oxygen levels to the brain.

One of the biggest benefits of music therapy is that it helps trigger healthy movement in the patients. It can help the patient increase strength, balance and endurance which can further reduce the fall risk, and increase motor function.

In the case of Alzheimer’s, verbal communication is not always the most effective. Instead, body language and other types of non-verbal communication take a front seat. Hence, in such a situation, music is the perfect addition to communication as it offers new ways to increase social interaction.

If you wish to use music to help a loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease then here is a list of things you will need to keep in mind.

• Think about your loved one’s preferences
• Set the mood
• Avoid overstimulation
• Encourage movement
• Sing along
• Pay attention to the patient’s response