Can Music Bring Back Memory In Dementia Patients? Expert Says Only If It's In Their Mother Tongue

Music therapy taps into long-term memory, which remains intact longer than short-term memory in dementia patients.

"One of our patients struggles to recall much from his past. He has Dementia. However, whenever he listens to songs in his mother tongue, it helps him remember and reconnect with his memories," Neha Sinha, Dementia Specialist, Clinical Psychologist, CEO & Co-founder of Epoch Elder Care told me recently.

This made me wonder if music can really help elderly patients with complex neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's, Dementia and Multiple Sclerosis. Turns out that it can. While it does not specifically treat them, music definitely helps stabilize symptoms, fostering emotional well-being and improving the quality of life for patients.

Music And Memories To Treat Physical Symptoms

Behavioural challenges, such as aggression, anxiety, and social disinhibition, are common in patients with Dementia. Music therapy addresses these issues by creating a calming atmosphere and making them more open to treatment. "Listening to or engaging with music can soothe anxiety, regulate sleep patterns, and help them perform their activities of daily life (ADL) more comfortably. Moreover, Reminiscence therapy, which helps people remember and discuss past events to improve their well-being, is known to be profoundly effective in treating such diseases.

Music therapy also taps into long-term memory, which remains intact longer than short-term memory in dementia patients. Familiar tunes or songs from childhood can stimulate certain neural connections, particularly if they are in their mother tongue. This helps the patients recognize friends and family, providing comfort and even prompts them to engage in social conversations.

Additionally, music therapy aids motor coordination, which is particularly helpful to patients with Parkinson's. Incorporating rhythmic movements like walking or light dancing to music can improve muscle relaxation and enhance motor abilities. While there is no direct evidence linking music therapy to alleviating physical symptoms, its positive impact on mood and cognitive function makes patients more receptive to medical treatment.

Music Therapy Has Shown Significant Benefits

Healing with music is believed to date back to ancient Greece when music was used in an attempt to cure mental disorders. Throughout history, music has been used to boost morale in military troops, help people work faster and more productively, and even ward off evil spirits by chanting.

Music therapy does not involve specialists in most cases. It involves:

• listening to music
• singing along to music
• moving to the beat of the music
• meditating
• playing an instrument

Incorporating music into care plans for the elderly, tailored to an individual's history and preferences, has shown significant benefits. Personalized playlists and culturally relevant songs enhance the therapy's effectiveness. Although music therapy may not reverse neurodegenerative conditions, its role in reducing medication dependence and improving emotional and social well-being underscores its importance in holistic care.