Music Allows Caregivers to Communicate with Alzheimer’s Patients
Posted by Lauren Batalka on Tue, Jul 27, 2010
Music therapy is now more than ever used with Alzheimer’s patients. Studies show that music therapy programs can help with behavioral issues in Alzheimer’s patients such as aggression and agitation. Music therapy may also help with sleep issues in Alzheimer’s patients.
Alzheimer’s patients who have a decline in their language function may find that music therapy can serve as a means of communication. Language is processed by one part of the brain, while music is processed by many different parts of the brain. The many elements in music are processed differently, which help stimulate the brain.
Music can stir long-term memories. Familiar music can be more beneficial than unfamiliar music, as it will evoke a more positive experience. Music from our past is better known to our brain and is therefore more comforting and reassuring. A patient’s enjoyment is typically increased as they dance or sing along with the music. Encouragement of singing along, swaying, clapping or dancing can be very therapeutic as well.
Music to Tune Into
Popular music from one’s past can be associated with fond memories. Try to stick with what they’ll know.
Age 65
- “All For the Love of a Girl”- Johnny Horton
- “Among My Souvenirs” – Connie Francis
- “Apron Strings”- Cliff Richard
- “The Battle of New Orleans”- Johnny Horton
- “Mack the Knife”- Bobby Darin
Age 75
- “’A’ You’re Adorable”- Perry Como
- “Again”- Gordon Jenkins
- “At the End of the Road”- Frankie Laine
- “Baby, I Need You”- Frankie Laine
- “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”- Dinah Shore and Buddy Clarke
Age 85
- “And the Angels Sing”- Martha Tilton With Benny Goodman and His Orchestra
- “Beer Barrel Polka”-The Andrews Sisters
- “Deep Purple”- Larry Clinton
- “Jeepers Creepers”-Al Donohue
- “Moon Love”-Glenn Miller
Age 95
- “Am I Blue?”- Ethel Waters
- “Button Up Your Overcoat”-Helen Kane
- “I Want to Be Bad”-Annette Hanshaw
- “I’ll Get By”-Aileen Stanley
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