Music provides a number of advantages for seniors with Alzheimer’s. While music benefits people in all stages of Alzheimer’s, it’s especially helpful for those who have late-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Here are six benefits people with Alzheimer’s can get from music.
1. Lowers Anxiety
It’s not uncommon for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease to become anxious, especially during the evening hours. Music soothes the symptoms of anxiety while promoting sound sleep. While listening to music may not be a substitute for antianxiety medications, it can be an effective component of an overall mental health treatment plan.
2. Relieves Pain
Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease often have other painful medical conditions, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and hip problems. While pain medications are often prescribed, they can cause side effects and lead to dependence. Music can help aging adults better manage their pain because it may lower the perception of pain and make seniors less aware of its presence.
For reliable Alzheimer’s care, Roseville families can turn to Home Care Assistance. We are a leading provider of professional memory care designed to help seniors maintain a higher quality of life. In addition to Alzheimer’s care, we also provide comprehensive dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care. From revolutionary care programs to compassionate and dedicated caregivers, we can meet all of your Alzheimer’s care needs.
3. Reduces Blood Pressure
As people age, they’re at risk for hypertension, or high blood pressure. Antihypertensive medications are typically prescribed for high blood pressure, but they can cause fatigue, excess urination, dry mouth, and dizziness. Music can lower blood pressure by promoting relaxation. When a senior is relaxed, his or her heart rate goes down, which takes some of the stress off the cardiovascular system and keeps blood pressure from rising to dangerous levels. Certain types of music positively affect the alpha waves of the brain, leading to feelings of calm and peace.
4. Regulates Breathing
Respiratory rates can rise with age, especially when seniors lose weight, become anemic, or develop nutritional deficiencies. Rapid breathing can have a negative effect on the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems and raise the risk for dizziness, fainting, and confusion. If your loved one breathes quickly or heavily, play some soft instrumental music or classical pieces to lower his or her respiratory rate.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of senior care Roseville, Ca, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
5. Promotes Movement
Seniors with Alzheimer’s are often motivated to dance when they hear music. Dancing and other forms of aerobic exercise enhance circulation to the brain, which can boost cognitive function. Many elderly people who have Alzheimer’s don’t get enough exercise, so music may be just the thing to get your loved one up and moving.
6. Evokes Pleasant Memories
It’s thought that the music-processing part of the brain is largely unaffected by Alzheimer’s disease, which means people who have Alzheimer’s may remember their favorite songs from long ago. Remembering songs can evoke pleasant memories, which enhances mood and may reduce the frequency of aggressive outbursts and combativeness that often occur in people with Alzheimer’s disease. If your loved one displays negative behavior, play his or her favorite music to brighten the mood.
Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care. Home Care Assistance will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call us today at (916) 226-3737 to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for with professionalism and compassion.