Music and Art Therapy for People with Alzheimer's Disease
Music and Art can all help improve a person's quality of life. Creative therapies encourage self-expression, which can help someone with dementia or Alzheimer's preserve their sense of self while expressing themselves creatively. Due to their calming qualities, music and art therapy are often used in care facilities to help patients, and their caregivers deal with the emotional and behavioral issues caused by these diseases. Mood swings are quite common among people with dementia or Alzheimer's, but creative therapies can help deescalate, improve moods, and encourage relaxation. Someone once said music soothes the soul. You'd be amazed by how much art, music, and storytelling help individuals destress and feel less lonely or isolated. The Arts connect us all and remind us of our humanity and shared connections with others.
Art and music therapy help patients avoid overstimulation.
For many with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, overstimulation by bright lights, loud noises, and the bustling activity around them can lead to behavioral issues. When you allow people to focus on one activity such as storytelling, art, or music, it can help them block out all the white noise around them causing feelings of anger, fear, irritation, or confusion. Art and music therapy can create a peaceful environment and even evoke pleasant memories or feelings associated with specific colors and songs.
Musical memories may be undamaged by the disease.
If you're the caregiver of someone with dementia or Alzheimer's, creating a playlist of your loved one's favorite musical artists, songs, and genres can help you feel connected to them. Try singing along with the music together. You may be surprised to learn that your loved one can still remember some of the lyrics. Some studies suggest musical memories may be linked to the brain's long-term memories, which generally sustain less damage from the disease. Music encourages recognition and memory recall in a way that is typically less frustrating for someone trying to recall names or facts. Allowing someone to feel empowered through musical remembrance can improve their self-esteem.
Music therapy also encourages exercise and movement.
Many dementia and Alzheimer's patients respond to music by smiling, clapping, or tapping their feet, promoting activity, movement, and interaction. Sometimes, it can be challenging to keep people engaged enough to move, but luckily, music can often accomplish this for you. Music transcends past communication barriers existing between generations and even cultures to provide a unique multi-sensory experience like no other. Pay attention to your loved one's response to particular music. If a specific genre or song seems to reach them inside, play it frequently for them. Likewise, if a specific genre or song appears to inspire an adverse reaction, try switching to something else less upsetting.
Get more tips and ideas on how to best Care for a loved one with Dementia and Alzheimer's with our In-Home Care & Caregiving Resources at BrightStar Care: https://www.brightstarcare.com/resources
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