Joyful Memories®

Stevie Wonder once said, “Music, at its essence, is what gives us memories. And the longer a song has existed in our lives, the more memories we have of it.” As it turns out, there’s some science to back this up. Music is strongly connected to our memories, unique in its ability to evoke emotions and powerful, vivid memories. This connection is especially strong for people with Alzheimer’s disease—research shows that the musical memory regions of the brain are some of the last to be affected by the disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of all cases. A progressive brain disorder, it affects memory, thinking, and behavior over time, leading to difficulty with communication, expressing emotions, and social interaction. But now, we’re learning how music therapy can address some of these challenges and improve the quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia

How Does Music Therapy Help People with Dementia?

When we listen to music, many different areas of the brain light up, including those responsible for memory, emotion, and movement. Music therapy is simply a meaningful and positive way to engage all of these brain regions, helping to stimulate cognitive function, improve mood, and even alleviate pain.

What Type of Music is Best for Dementia?

Music therapy can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including listening to old favorites through headphones, singing, playing instruments, and even improvising. The best music simply depends on your loved one’s preferences, tastes, and cultural background. Music that reminds them of their youth or cultural heritage may be particularly effective in stirring memories and emotions.

If you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease, consider incorporating music therapy into their care plan. Here are some tips:

• Choose familiar music: The old songs really are the best when it comes to dementia care. Choosing songs your loved one knew and enjoyed between the ages of 7 and 25 may be ideal.
• Create a relaxing environment: Create a comfortable and relaxing environment for music therapy to reduce anxiety and agitation. Focus on lighting the room well, reducing background noise, and arranging comfortable seating.
• Encourage participation: Encourage your loved one to participate in music therapy by singing along or playing instruments—even if that just means tapping out the beat with your toes!
• Use music throughout the day: Find ways to incorporate music into the daily routine. You might play calming music during meals or use upbeat music during exercise.

Joyful Memories®: In-Home Dementia Care with Meaning

At Your Side’s Joyful Memories program was designed to create connections with older adults. Our team’s understanding of the power of music inspired us to create this program, embracing the therapeutic benefits of music for people living with dementia. Using evidence-based methods, our caregivers can facilitate one-on-one, personalized music therapy programs in the comfort of your loved one’s own home.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Joyful Memories program and how in-home dementia care can benefit your family, reach out to At Your Side today!

At Your Side: Next-Generation Dementia Care in the Comfort of Home

With many Greater Houston Area locations in North America, At Your Side/ComForCare is dedicated to the health and well-being of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. 95% of our offices are DementiaWise® certified, meaning our caregivers have undergone comprehensive training to support improved quality of life for people with dementia. Find your nearest At Your Side/ComForCare location to learn more!