For many older adults, forgetfulness is an issue. While some can jokingly pass it off as a symptom of getting old, for many seniors dementia is a harsh reality. Dementia is the umbrella term that describes a set of symptoms that impacts brain function. It is often characterized by a decline in memory and having trouble with language. In some cases, dementia sufferers endure a loss of coordination, decreased bladder control and mood swings.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. It begins with mild memory loss and can lead to an inability to carry on a conversation. The condition impacts the parts of the brain that control thought, memory and language. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, there were nearly 452,000 Canadians over 65 living with diagnosed dementia between April 2017 and March 2018. About 3% of all people living with dementia in Canada are younger than age 65.
How does music help with memory care?
The Alzheimer Society of Calgary offers a music program that helps its members to reconnect with their worlds through music-triggered memories. The program was inspired by research showing that music can help stimulate memories for people living with dementia. In fact, such research was conducted by Toronto scientists in 2018.
As reported by Sheryl Ubelacker of The Canadian Press via CBC, the researchers enrolled 20 people with early-stage Alzheimer’s or mild cognitive impairment in the study. Its objective was to discover what was occurring in their brains while they listened to familiar music as well as a never-heard-before composition during MRI scans.
When participants listened to familiar music, the scientists detected extensive patterns of activation in several areas of the brain. The patterns included those involved with emotion and the processing of language, movement and memory.
Have you noticed your own ability to recall song lyrics?
Music’s ability to unlock long-unopened segments of our brains is uncanny. You may even notice that when an old song pops on the radio, you can sing along even if you haven’t heard the tune in years. This is what makes music so helpful for people with dementia.
“The area of the brain that remembers and responds to music tends to be one of the last areas that dementia affects,” reveals MyHealth.Alberta.ca, “Many people living with very late stages of dementia respond to hearing their favorite types of music. They may even sing along to their favorite songs.”
“Michael Thaut, the study’s lead author and a professor of music and neuroscience at the University of Toronto, said it’s common for people in even relatively advanced stages of Alzheimer’s to call to mind the melodies and lyrics of songs from their past, as well as the autobiographical memories attached to the music,” Ubelacker reports.
Senior Homecare by Angels offers Alzheimer’s Home Support Services.
While we would never lay claim to being marvelous singers, the Senior Homecare by Angels team knows all about the difficulties surrounding Alzheimer’s. With our Alzheimer’s Home Support Services, we make it easier for you to care for and support your loved ones as they learn to adapt to their condition. Our experienced caregivers can help your loved ones continue to live in a place where they feel safest and most comfortable – at home.
For more information, please don’t hesitate to call us at 403-862-0129. If you are outside of Calgary, call us toll-free at 1-877-209-6142. You may also visit our Contact Us page to complete and submit a simple contact form!