5 ways to start music therapy for someone with dementia

The use of music therapy is an effective way to tap into your loved one's memories and engage with them on a deeper level. Whether you're a professional caregiver or just someone who happens to be caring for someone else, these tips will help you get started with incorporating music into your caregiving routine.

Play familiar music from the person's childhood or teenage years.

There is growing evidence that playing familiar music from the person's childhood or teenage years can help someone with dementia. This is because certain types of music have a strong emotional connection to us, and they trigger memories and feelings in our brains.

When someone has dementia, their cognitive abilities are often affected, making it more difficult for them to remember everyday things like names and faces. However, many studies have shown that playing music from their past can help to improve the person's mood and quality of life by triggering positive memories and emotions.

One study found that when people with dementia listened to familiar songs from childhood or adolescence, their moods improved significantly compared to when they listened to unfamiliar songs or no music at all.

Another study found that after listening to their favorite music, the person's mood was significantly improved compared to when they listened to unfamiliar music or no music at all. In fact, many people with dementia have reported that listening to their favorite songs from the past brings back fond memories and feelings of joy, which can help lift their spirits.

Sing songs together, even if you don't have a great singing voice.

Singing songs together is a great way to help someone with dementia feel more relaxed and calm. This is because singing triggers the release of endorphins, which are chemicals in your body that make you feel good.

Another reason why singing songs together helps someone with dementia is that it engages them in an activity they are familiar with. Singing songs is something we often do as a part of our culture, so by participating in this activity, people with dementia can connect with their memories and feelings from the past.

Additionally, singing songs together provides an outlet for communication and social interaction. Because many people who have dementia struggle with verbal communication, singing gives them an alternative method for expressing themselves and connecting with others around them.

Create a playlist of music that makes the person happy or relaxed.

Creating a playlist of happy or relaxing music is a great way to help someone with dementia. It can be played at any time, whether they're feeling calm or agitated. And it's something that everyone can enjoy together.

There are lots of ways to create a playlist. You could ask family and friends for their favourite songs, or look for songs that remind you of happy times from the past. You could even create a playlist specifically for the person with dementia, based on their favourite artists or genres.

If you're not sure where to start, there are some great online resources that can help you create the perfect playlist. The Singapore Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) has a helpful playlist you can be used to draw inspiration from.

Once you've created your playlist, make sure it's easily accessible so that anyone can play it when needed. It could be stored on a laptop, tablet, smartphone or MP3 player. Our JoyPhone rotary phone device will combine make your full playlist available also and allow for your loved ones to access the music themselves.

Incorporate movement into the music therapy session.

Many people living with dementia can experience difficulty with memory, movement and communication. Luckily, there are a number of different ways to help improve these things, including incorporating movement and music into someone's daily routine.

One way to do this is by starting off slowly and gradually increasing the tempo of the music. This will help with improving mobility, as well as helping to stimulate memory recall for both short-term and long-term memories. Additionally, rhythmic movements such as clapping or tapping can also have a positive effect on someone with dementia by assisting with coordination and muscle strength.

Another way that incorporating movement and music into someone's day can be beneficial is by encouraging social interaction between them and their caretakers or family members. This can help to lessen feelings of isolation and improve communication skills. Additionally, it can also be a fun way to bond with loved ones while also providing some much-needed exercise.

Ask family members and friends to join in on the music therapy session.

One effective way to make music therapy even more beneficial is by asking family members or friends to join in on the session. This can provide additional emotional support and increase feelings of social connection.

There are several important benefits that come with inviting others into the session. First, having loved ones involved helps deepen the experience for both the person with dementia and those around them. This can lead to increased feelings of happiness and joy, which are key factors in improving overall well-being and quality of life for people living with dementia.

Including family members or friends can also create a sense of community among everyone present. This can help strengthen relationships, both in the moment and over time.

Whether you're a professional caregiver or just someone who happens to be caring for someone else, incorporating music into your routine has many benefits. By starting with these simple tips, you can begin using music therapy with your loved one and help them connect with themselves and others in a deeper way.​

What are some of your favorite songs or musical activities to do with your elderly loved ones living with dementia? Let me know in the comments below!