Music has been a source of pleasure, inspiration, and has promoted feelings of connectedness to each other for thousands of years across the globe. Furthermore, some of the benefits of listening to music have been more directly linked activities aiding with dementia. Music can help us to become in touch with ourselves, boost positive emotions, stimulate memory and encourage cognition and mentalisation.
Music therapy is especially flexible, in order to be tailored to the needs of the patient, and can take many forms. In aiding dementia, music therapy may take the form of joining a choir, playing an instrument, or simply listening to music more regularly.
Some of the recent research into the benefits of music therapy and its impact on dementia have been astounding. Music can light parts of the brain which aren’t aroused by any other stimuli. Furthermore, concentration and attention can be improved, alongside increased memory and overall well being.
