Music As Medicine: The Benefits Of Music Therapy For Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's disease is a neurological condition that can lead to mental and behavioral changes as well as memory loss. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1 in 9 people over the age of 65 have Alzheimer's, with an estimated 6.7 million Americans experiencing the illness in 2023.  While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, treatments like medication and lifestyle changes may help slow the progression of the disease.

One non-pharmacological approach to treating Alzheimer’s disease is music therapy, which may be effective in alleviating both cognitive and psychological symptoms. With the help of trained music therapists, individuals with Alzheimer's may be able to improve their symptoms with music interventions. Music therapy may help stimulate the mind, improve the recollection of memories, and boost mood and well-being.

There are various approaches to music therapy, including listening to or playing music. Finding a suitable form of music therapy often begins by understanding the ways Alzheimer’s disease can affect an individual, particularly their memory. 

How Alzheimer's affects memory

Alzheimer's disease can gradually erode cognitive abilities, including memory. Memory can be divided into two primary categories: short-term memory and long-term memory. Short-term memory is responsible for storing information temporarily, while long-term memory holds onto information for extended periods. Working memory and long-term memory are often affected early in Alzheimer's disease, which can cause difficulty remembering events, facts, and even loved ones.

Long-term memory can be further split into declarative and nondeclarative memory. Declarative memory involves recalling specific events and facts. Non-declarative memory, on the other hand, involves skills and habits, emotional responses, and reflexes that don’t require conscious thought.

Alzheimer's disease mainly affects the declarative memory system. At first, individuals may experience mild forgetfulness; this may manifest as misplacing items or having problems remembering recent events. As the disease progresses, a person with Alzheimer’s disease may have more trouble forming memories. Eventually, even long-established memories, like the names of family members, may be lost.

The link between music and memory

One aspect of memory that tends to remain relatively intact in Alzheimer's patients is musical memory. This type of memory falls within the non-declarative category, and it is responsible for thoughts and actions related to music, like knowing familiar tunes or playing an instrument. 

For people with Alzheimer's, familiar music can act as a catalyst for music-evoked autobiographical memories. This may explain why familiar music can spark vivid recollections in people with this condition.

​​To understand why musical memory remains intact in Alzheimer's patients, it can be important to consider that many parts of the brain work together to understand music. Some of these areas of the brain are not typically severely affected by Alzheimer's. In addition, music has a strong emotional component, which is processed by the amygdala – a brain structure that is less affected by Alzheimer's in its early stages.

Therapeutic benefits of music for Alzheimer's

Music therapy has shown promising results in individuals with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. According to the Alzheimer's Association, music can have a powerful impact on those affected by the disease. For example, it may help reduce irritability and improve behavioral challenges that often develop during the middle stages of Alzheimer's.

Research has also found that music interventions may have positive effects on cognitive function and mood in individuals with dementia. One systematic review found that music therapy improved the quality of life of people with Alzheimer’s disease while alleviating long-term depression. Researchers suggest that listening to music has the greatest effects, followed by singing. Results of the study show that including music therapy in the care plan of individuals with Alzheimer's may be effective.

Structured music interventions led by music therapists can have other positive impacts on patients with Alzheimer's when it comes to mood and sleep. In a study conducted with 20 men diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, participants experienced improved mood and sleep patterns after participating in music therapy five times a week for four weeks. However, music therapy is usually considered an adjunct or supplemental therapy used in combination with other treatments such as medication. 

In addition to in-person music therapy, online interventions can provide valuable support for individuals living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. A recent study investigated the effects of adaptive music therapy using virtual reality on individuals with Alzheimer’s. The results suggest that web-based music therapy can enhance memory performance and mood while alleviating negative emotions. 

Online therapy is also a convenient form of treatment for patients with Alzheimer’s who often have mobility issues or rely on others to get them to and from treatment. With internet-based music therapy, people living with this disease can get the care they need from the comfort of home. Online music therapy can also be more convenient for individuals with a chronic disease and their caregivers since appointments can be made outside of normal business hours. These people are often juggling numerous medical appointments at the same time. 

Practical ways to use music therapy for Alzheimer's

Music therapy can be an effective, non-pharmacological option for people with Alzheimer's disease. To incorporate music therapy into your loved one's daily routine, consider these practical suggestions:

Listening to music

Listening to music may help improve cognitive function in people with Alzheimer's disease. For example, listening to Mozart's Sonata or Pachelbel's Canon may help stabilize or even enhance cognitive abilities. You might also consider selecting familiar and emotionally meaningful songs since familiar music can evoke autobiographical memories and provide comfort. 

Singing songs

Singing favorite songs using karaoke may also be beneficial for people with Alzheimer's disease. It can be enjoyable for people with Alzheimer’s to use their voices. Playing instruments while singing may also help stimulate the brain and regulate emotions, which may support a healthy emotional state and cognitive function.

Music-based interventions

Therapists can use musical elements like rhythm and melody to help patients remember verbal content. Sung texts can be better remembered than spoken texts, which means that music has the potential to improve how verbal information is stored in the brain.

Background music

Using background music during memory exercises can help improve memory recall and lower anxiety for people with Alzheimer's. Researchers are still studying the best music choices and determining exactly how this works. Playing calming background music can also help improve mood and sleep, making life better for the person with Alzheimer's.

Music with activities

Combining music with activities like dancing, playing instruments, or moving to the rhythm may help improve thinking and behavior in Alzheimer's patients. Joining group activities that mix music and movement can be fun and helpful for managing symptoms. 

Multisensory stimulation

Multisensory stimulation blends music therapy with other activities like painting, simple exercises, and other physical activities. This approach may help improve thinking, manage depression, and reduce anxiety in people with Alzheimer's disease. Special video games have even been created for dementia patients, offering a fun and engaging way to support their thinking skills.

Implementing music therapy in the daily routine of a person with Alzheimer's can significantly improve their cognitive and emotional well-being. Explore these practical suggestions and consider discussing them with an online therapist to find an approach specific to your loved one's needs.

Seeking a music therapist for Alzheimer's

When looking for a music therapist for a loved one with Alzheimer's, it may be important to consider a professional who understands the complexities of the disease and the benefits of music therapy. Music therapists can use familiar music and tailored strategies to improve cognitive function, reduce irritability and anxiety, and improve the quality of life of people with Alzheimer's disease.

A qualified music therapist has experience working with older adults, specifically those living with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. They may be familiar with music-evoked autobiographical memories, music listening, and other ways to engage patients and actively stimulate their musical memory. 

In addition, a skilled therapist may know how to create a soothing background music environment to promote relaxation and alleviate anxiety related to Alzheimer's disease. Music therapists often use personalized playlists to offer emotional support and improve the therapeutic experience.

In your search for a music therapist, you can consult reputable sources like the American Music Therapy Association to find a qualified practitioner in your area. Additionally, you may consider online therapy as an alternative way of accessing mental health support for yourself or your loved one.

You may want to communicate with the music therapist about the goals and expectations for the therapy sessions to make sure you benefit from a personalized and effective music program. The results of music therapy can vary from person to person, and ongoing collaboration between the therapist, patient, and caregivers can ensure the therapy is working.