Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — A groundbreaking study has provided the clearest evidence yet that music therapy can significantly alleviate agitation, anxiety, and emotional distress in individuals with advanced dementia.
According to Earth.com, a study published in the journal Nature Mental Health suggests that this accessible and cost-efficient approach could play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for dementia patients facing severe challenges.
The research also delves into the mechanisms behind music’s powerful impact and how it can be effectively integrated into daily care routines.
“With an aging population and increasing numbers of people diagnosed with dementia, music is a relatively straightforward and cost-effective way of improving the quality of life of those affected,” said lead author, Naomi Thompson of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU).
Immediate and Long-Term Benefits of Music Therapy
The study reveals that when music therapy is personalized to match an individual’s life history, musical preferences, and specific needs – whether through listening to familiar songs, playing instruments, or singing – it can lead to immediate improvements in mood, attention, alertness, and overall engagement.
Crucially, music therapy sessions were also shown to reduce anxiety and agitation, providing a sense of safety and emotional stability for dementia patients.
The research highlights that music stimulates both cognitive and sensory networks across the brain, even as dementia continues to erode other cognitive abilities. This stimulation allows individuals to tap into preserved memories and regulate their body’s stress responses, often reducing emotional distress.
“Our study not only shows why music therapy is successful – including meeting the person’s need for stimulation, supporting familiarity through memories, encouraging relationships, and crucially helping with the reduction of distress and anxiety – it also paves the way for its wider use in dementia care,” Thompson added.
Musical Effect on Memory
One of the key findings was music’s ability to unlock memories. Songs from a person’s formative years, typically between the ages of 10 and 30, were found to be particularly effective in triggering positive, deeply personal recollections.
These music-induced memories can restore a sense of identity and offer comfort, helping to calm the emotional turbulence often experienced by individuals with advanced dementia.
Music therapists play a critical role in identifying songs that resonate with an individual’s life story. Recorded music, widely accessible and affordable, can be seamlessly incorporated into daily routines—used strategically during moments when they are most likely to become agitated or to foster relaxation and reflection.
“Just as a doctor prescribes medications with a specific dose and frequency, a music therapist can outline an individualised program, setting out how music should be used throughout someone’s day to reduce distress and improve their wellbeing,” Thompson explained.
Beyond Words: Music as a Universal Connection
Unlike verbal communication, music does not rely on language or strong cognitive abilities to be appreciated. Individuals with severe dementia, who may struggle with speech, could respond to melodies, rhythms, and harmonies just simply by swaying, humming, or even smiling in response.
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This nonverbal connection offers a unique bridge between patients, caregivers, family members, and fellow residents in care facilities.
By embedding music therapy into dementia care, the study suggests that individuals with advanced dementia can experience less distress, reconnect with their identities, and strengthen bonds with those around them—creating moments of calm, understanding, and meaningful human connection.
(Raidi/Agung)
