Music, a valuable therapeutic tool for people living with neurodegenerative disease
Recent neuroscientific studies* have shown that brain regions related to musical memory and emotions are among the last to deteriorate in people living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of related diseases. Even when the disease is at an advanced stage, musical memories and emotional responses associated with music can be maintained.
Musical memory endures
In light of this, music is becoming a powerful therapeutic tool to improve quality of life for people living with dementia. As part of a personalised approach, it reduces agitation, promotes well-being and strengthens the emotional bond with loved ones and caregivers alike.
In Spain, at the Seniors Lanjarón long-term care nursing home, this commitment is becoming a concrete reality: the team has received personalised music therapy training thanks to a partnership with the Música para Despertar charity.
As part of the therapy, residents listen via headphones to a personalised musical selection chosen according to their life history and tastes.
A people-centred care philosophy: Positive Care
At Clariane, this approach is fully in line with our commitment to non-pharmaceutical interventions.
By incorporating music into our support practices, we promote not only residents’ well-being but also cooperation between families and teams, contributing to a more human care approach that better respects each individual life story.
We believe in tailoring care to the person, not the other way around.
*References
- Northwestern Now. (2022, August 29). Music helps patients with dementia connect with loved ones. Northwestern University News. https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2022/08/music-helps-patients-with-dementia-connect-with-loved-ones/
- Slattery, C. F., Agustus, J. L., Paterson, R. W., McCallion, O., Foulkes, A. J. M., Macpherson, K., Carton, A. M., Harding, E., Golden, H. L., Jaisin, K., Mummery, C. J., Schott, J. M., & Warren, J. D. (2019). The functional neuroanatomy of musical memory in Alzheimer’s disease. Cortex, 115, 357–370. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cortex.2019.02.003
- Groussard, M., Chan, T. G., Coppalle, R., & Platel, H. (2019). Preservation of musical memory throughout the progression of Alzheimer’s disease? Toward a reconciliation of theoretical, clinical, and neuroimaging evidence. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 68(3), 857–883. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-180474
