For persons with dementia and its many forms, stress is a very real problem. Concerned family members and caregivers are at a loss to make life better.
What is Individualized Music?
Recent studies using music therapy–particularly individualized music–have proven that music can play a key role in making life easier. Individualized music is music that has been a part of a person’s life and is based on personal preference
Why music works better than conversation.
As memory fades, so does one’s ability to process other sensory stimuli, thus an increase in stress and agitated behavior. Too often we assume the patient is simply overly demanding and should be able to control themselves. Music generally has a calming effect on others by changing the focus of attention If music chosen to play is familiar and associated with positive feelings, the music with have a soothing effect.
I does not take much time or effort to make a difference.
Just thirty minutes a day for two or three days a week has proven to make a significant difference in the anxiety level of the entire household. The family can be involved; children want to be helpful but are confused. Perhaps they can be in charge of playing music at a certain time, or sitting by the elderly person and listening with them.
Some tips in choosing the music:
1 Remember the music is for the patient, not you. If they cannot verbalize their preferences, choose music from their era or something you recall them singing or listening to.
2 Be cautious with volume; loud enough to hear, not so loud it grates on the nerves.
3. Vary the tunes, consider videos and audios. Find some perky children’s tunes that generate smiles and happy feelings.
4. Short periods of time will generally be more effective than too much music at one setting.
5. Not everyone responds to music therapy; be sensitive to the needs of each individual.
Whatever you do, music or other things, always serve with a smile. We all know, a genuine smile is good medicine for the giver as well as the recipient.
Hugs,
For a more detailed study by the World Journal of Psychiatry, click here.
