A new study has shown, for the first time, how music reduces distress and agitation in people with advanced dementia.
The research, carried out by scientists at Anglia Ruskin University, shows that music therapy It can immediately and in the short term reduce agitation and anxiety in individuals with advanced dementia, improving their attention, their sense of alertness and their mood.
Basically, according to the portal, musical interactions can help these people feel safer and more orientedhelping to reduce levels of distress and improve your well-being.
This is because music – played, sung or heard – provides cognitive and sensory stimulation and activates networks on both sides of the brain, allowing access to the person’s skills and memories, helping them control their emotions and remain calm.
Additionally, music can also be adapted to reduce physiological stress, specifically on the autonomic nervous system.
According to scientists, memories evoked by music, especially those triggered by familiar music, are recalled more quickly and are more positive and specific than memories recalled without music.
The study therefore recommends that music therapists train other professionals and families who deal with people diagnosed with dementia so that they can use music to improve the well-being of these patients.
On the other hand, the use of music can also be of added value for the healthcare team and for family members themselves, who will see their stress levels reduced. This technique can promote empathy and help people to engage with the patient, particularly in moments of greatest suffering.
“With the aging population and the increasing number of people diagnosed with dementia, music is a relatively simple and economical to improve the quality of life of those affected”, highlighted the research leader, Naomi Thompson.
“Just as a doctor prescribes medications with a specific dose and frequency, a music therapist can outline a individualized programdefining how music should be used throughout the day to reduce suffering and improve your well-being”, he added.
The findings were published in Nature Mental Health.
