Dementia and the power of music • Caremark

male care assistant plays guitar as female customer smiles

The power of music, especially singing, is unlocking memories. It seems to reach parts of the damaged brain in ways other forms of communication cannot.

Music can have many benefits in the setting of dementia. It can help reduce anxiety and depression, help maintain speech and language, is helpful at the end of life, enhances quality of life and also has a positive impact on care assistants.

What are the benefits?

Music helps people with dementia express feelings and ideas
It can encourage physical exercise, dance or movement
Music can prompt reminiscing of past times
Singing or playing a favourite piece of music can lessen distress and may be particularly helpful whilst giving personal care
It can help the person with dementia ‘tell their story’ and give voice to their personal history.