The Healing Power of Music
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Miami School of Medicine revealed that music therapy leads to increased secretion levels of “feel-good” brain chemicals, including melatonin, serotonin, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and prolactin in Alzheimer’s patients.
The results are manifold: music can boost mood, reduce stress and agitation, foster positive social interactions, coordinate motor function, and even facilitate cognition. How? Even as the disease progresses and cognitive function declines, the human brain still naturally responds to music. And the benefits continue long after the music stops playing.
Amazing Associations
Music has the unique ability to evoke memories and emotions from long ago. Choose favorite songs or musical styles from your loved one’s formative years — teens to mid-20s are ideal — to elicit the most engaged response. If your loved one is still relatively mobile, attend a concert or go out dancing. Or, buy a karaoke machine so you can sing along together to favorite tunes at home. If a particular type of music causes your loved one to exhibit signs of distress, avoid playing it in the future; it may be associated with an upsetting memory.
For adults in advanced stages of dementia, reaching further back in time may be an effective technique. Songs learned in childhood — particularly when listened to in your loved one’s native language — may trigger a more significant response.
Top songs for every generation
In order to get the benefits, it’s important to play music that your senior enjoys and connects with. Do you remember The Andrew Sisters, Glenn Miller, Doris Day, Tony Bennett, Elvis Presley and The Rat Pack to name a few!
We invite you to join us this month at Dogwood Forest of Grayson- we have quite a few musical events scheduled for our residents!
December 11 at 10 am- Music with Dennis Goodwin-Christmas!
December 15 at 6:30 pm- Fountain Dance Company performing
December 18 at 2:00 pm- Children’s Christmas Concert
December 20 at 2:00 pm- Dogwood residents Christmas Caroling!
December 21 at 4:00 pm – Johnny Cash cover artist
If you have any questions please call 678-496-2319 or visit our website www.dogwoodforest.com/Grayson
To receive more education regarding this topic and similar topics, please contact Dogwood Forest of Grayson at 678-496-2319.
