Referreport
According to experts, music is the “silver bullet” to dementia sufferers. In fact, melodies can help those affected – songs from childhood in particular provoke reactions.
Many people suffering from dementia often seem to live in an isolated world. Nevertheless, there are various approaches to temporarily reintegrate them into social interactions – without the use of medication.
A documentary called “Alive inside” impressively shows the positive effects music can have on people with dementia. A 90-year-old woman in the film reports, “I can’t remember,” when asked what her life was like. “I forgot so much. I’m sorry.” By listening to Louis Armstrong’s music, she suddenly acquires numerous memories and begins to tell vivid stories. The touching film comes from 2014.
Studies show that music can help people with dementia
Science has now confirmed that music has a healing effect on Alzheimer’s and other dementias. According to a 2020 analysis summarizing eight studies, “music therapy has been shown to improve cognitive abilities in people with dementia.” The quality of life and long-term depression of those affected also improve after this intervention. Listening to music proved particularly effective, but singing also produced notable results.
A 2024 study that focused exclusively on Alzheimer’s confirmed that music therapy improved cognitive function in Alzheimer’s patients. The combined analysis of eleven studies shows that music therapy has positive influences on general mental performance, language skills, orientation and memory. Another meta-study in the journal “Frontiers of Psychology” suggests that music therapy also helps against restlessness in people with dementia.
The North Bavarian Music Association (NBMB) puts these findings into practice. In the “A Song for You” project, the federal government organizes interactive concerts for people with dementia. Ulrike, a committed musician, reports on her experience: “At our concerts there were people in the audience who seemed to have no reaction to anything anymore. When they heard well-known songs that they knew from their childhood or even Christmas carols, they suddenly found themselves singing along the text. That’s really fascinating.”
Those affected react to songs from their childhood – special courses for amateur musicians
In addition, the NBMB offers workshops for hobby musicians who want to make music in care facilities. Together with the Würzburg-Schweinfurt University of Technology, instructions for digital music offerings were created. The global number of people suffering from dementia is continuously growing. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 55 million people are currently affected. This number could rise to 78 million by 2030 and 139 million by 2050. Even though dementia is often considered a disease of old age, up to 9 percent of cases affect people under the age of 65.
While dementia was once considered inevitable, there is now considerable evidence that it can be prevented or delayed through various measures. Lack of physical activity, obesity, diabetes, smoking, alcohol consumption, high blood pressure, social isolation, depression, low education levels, brain injuries, hearing loss and air pollution are considered risk factors.
The Lancet Commission on Dementia recently stated that up to 45 percent of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed. Treating vision loss and high cholesterol levels could also have a preventive effect. Dementia is an umbrella term for various diseases that affect memory, cognitive abilities and behavior. Alzheimer’s is the most common form and, according to the WHO, accounts for 60 to 70 percent of cases.
World Alzheimer’s Day, which takes place annually on September 21st, draws attention to the needs of Alzheimer’s patients worldwide. Events such as lectures and charity concerts take place on this day. According to the German Alzheimer Society (Berlin), there are around 1.8 million people with dementia in Germany. “Even if a cure for the disease is not currently possible, medical treatment, advice, social support, specialist care and much more can help the sick and their relatives,” explains the society. She also emphasizes: “Music is considered the ‘silver bullet’ to those suffering from dementia.”
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- Day care: Who is it suitable for – and how much does it cost?
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- Nursing place: When do I have to take care of it – and how long does it take to get one?
- Care at home: What you need to pay attention to – options for support
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- A place in a nursing home: What costs will you or your relatives incur?
Source: German