Celebrating World Alzheimer’s Month: The Power of Music in Supporting People with Alzheimer’s Disease

As we celebrate World Alzheimer’s Month, the National Activity Providers Association (NAPA) is committed to highlighting the transformative power of music in the care of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease. Understanding how Alzheimer’s affects memory, particularly the distinction between short-term and long-term memory, is essential for creating meaningful activities. Music, which often taps into deeply embedded memories, can play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for those with Alzheimer’s, offering comfort, joy and a sense of connection.

Alzheimer’s disease is a condition that affects the brain, leading to the death of brain cells and a gradual decline in cognitive abilities, including memory, thinking and communication. One of the earliest and most significant symptoms is the deterioration of short-term memory, making it difficult for individuals to recall recent events or retain new information. This loss can lead to feelings of confusion, frustration and withdrawal.

However, long-term memories—especially those associated with emotions, such as those triggered by music—often remain accessible for much longer. Music has a unique ability to connect with people on a deep emotional level, even when other forms of communication become challenging. Recognising this can help us create personalised, music-based activities that resonate with an individual’s personal history and preferences.

Music holds a special place in activity provision for people living with dementia because of its ability to evoke memories and emotions that may otherwise be difficult to access. It can serve as a powerful tool for reconnecting individuals with their past, reducing anxiety and enhancing mood.

For many people with Alzheimer’s, music from their youth or significant life moments can trigger vivid memories and emotions. These connections are often preserved even as other cognitive functions decline. By incorporating music that is personally meaningful to the individual, Activity Providers can create moments of recognition and joy, encouraging a sense of continuity and belonging.

Activity Ideas for Supporting People with Alzheimer’s Through Music

1. Create personalised playlists based on the individual’s favourite songs or genres from their youth. Playing these songs can evoke positive memories and emotions, helping to reduce anxiety and improve mood. Encourage family members to contribute to these playlists to ensure they reflect the person’s life story.

2. Organise group sing-alongs featuring familiar songs. Singing together can create a sense of community and belonging, as well as stimulate cognitive function through the recall of lyrics and melodies.

3. Incorporate gentle movement or dance into music sessions. Rhythmic movement, even if it’s just tapping feet or clapping hands, can help improve motor skills and create an enjoyable, shared experience.

4. If possible, bring live music into the care home. The presence of live musicians can create a vibrant and engaging atmosphere, offering individuals a chance to experience the immediacy and energy of live performance.

5. Provide easy-to-play instruments like tambourines, maracas or xylophones. Encouraging individuals to play along with the music can encourage a sense of participation and creativity.

6. Integrate music into daily activities, such as playing calming music during meals or before bedtime. This can help establish routines and create a soothing environment.

Top Tips for Activity Providers

1. Incorporate life story work to identify music that is meaningful. Understanding a person’s musical preferences from their past can guide you in creating personalised playlists and activities.

2. Choose music that the person is likely to recognise and enjoy. Songs from their teenage years or early adulthood often resonate the most.

3. Ensure that the music is played at a comfortable volume and that the environment is conducive to listening. Be aware of any sensory sensitivities or preferences.

4. Involve the individual in selecting music, singing along or playing instruments. Participation can enhance the therapeutic benefits of music and encourage a sense of agency.

5. Pay attention to how the person responds to different types of music. Adjust the selection based on their mood and preferences to ensure a positive experience.

6. Use music to create a calm and relaxing environment, especially during times of transition or when the individual is feeling anxious.

World Alzheimer’s Month is a time to recognise the unique challenges faced by individuals living with Alzheimer’s and to explore how we can enhance their quality of life through meaningful engagement. At NAPA, we believe that music is one of the most powerful tools in activity provision for individuals living with dementia, offering a direct connection to the individual’s past, emotions and identity.

For more resources and support, please visit NAPA’s website, where you can find guidelines, activity ideas and resources to support your practice

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