HealthcareWhy do familiar music and memories remain powerful in dementia?

Dementia affects a person by making him/her forget many things. They might not recognize a face, forget their name, or perhaps even not know how to perform a simple activity, but, amazingly, music is the only thing that is not affected by it. We all still have a familiar tune or song that not only “hits” our foot but can be hummed or sung even when everything else seems gone, “familiar music and memories stay strong in dementia” is it. This is not just a question of luck. It is a fact that music remains powerful even when dementia takes away all the other benefits.

The magic living inside their mind

Take some time to recall the moments when music touched you. Think about the song played on your first dance, the lullaby your mother sang, and the song that helped you survive heartbreak. These songs are not just sounds that come and go in your ears, but they dwell in your heart, your body, and your entire being.

The same thing happens for people with dementia, but it is even more effective. Image brain as a house with many rooms. When dementia affects a person, it damages one part of the brain more than the other ones. The room we use to store facts, recent events, and information we just learned is the first to be damaged. On the other hand, the music living rooms are built with hard bricks that will not break down so easily.

Melody is memorized in what doctors call “procedural memory.” It is also the place where you store skills such as riding a bike and throwing a ball. These memories are so deeply rooted and so strong that they can survive even when the other parts of memory are altered.

Why familiar music works best

Not all music has the same effect on people with dementia. Songs that carry special meanings are the ones that work the best. They are:

• The original tunes of their youth, or songs they used to listen to when they were younger
• The music that inspired or lifted them during their challenging phase
• The music played at their wedding, which they used to love to dance to
• Lullabies that their kids used to enjoy
• Religious melodies written in their own language
• Folk songs sung by their people

What makes such songs so meaningful is their strong emotional attachments. There is a song they used to sing that was important in their lives. It might bring back their emotions and memories they thought were lost for good. Families often find their loved one’s mood lifted when their favorite or emotionally attached songs are played.

Music helps beyond memory:

Music, apart from bringing back memories, offers various ways to engage dementia patients. For example, it can relax those who feel anxious or confused. Many people suffering from dementia often experience anxiety, especially at night. Listening to familiar, calming music has proven to be one of the most effective holistic anxiety treatments that can help them relax.

Some other aspects of using music as a tool for their benefits are:

• Better communication: Through music, they may pronounce words clearly when they would normally have some difficulty.
• Improved movement: Rhythmic music can help people with dementia walk more steadily and move more easily.
• Reduced confusion: Familiar songs can provide comfort during moments of fear or disorientation.
• Social connection: Group singing or music activities help them feel less alone and more connected to others.

Even in the advanced stages of dementia, when verbal communication becomes very limited, people often respond to music with smiles, foot tapping, or gentle swaying.

Each family’s musical journey has its own unique characteristics. For example, some people are driven by classical music, while others love songs from the past, and so on. Some may prefer playing religious hymns, or others love popular music of their time. Follow their lead. Observe their reactions. Let the music lead them to what brings them comfort and joy.

Music as a therapy tool

In conjunction with a conventional dementia treatment plan, create a customized playlist only for them. Make sure to include the songs of their youth, as they are from ages 15 to 30, when musical memories are deepest. Again, if faith was a big part of them, add religious songs. Music from their cultural background should also be included.

Then check the magic yourselves. Pay attention to small signs, such as a foot tapping under a blanket, or moving lips with the memorized words. These are the ones you would greatly appreciate. These are not mistakes. These are achievements.

Simple ways to bring music into their day:

• Sing together: Even if they cannot speak much, many people can still sing
• Create quiet music time: Play soft background music during meals or rest time
• Use music for activities: Play upbeat songs during exercises or daily tasks (e.g., bathing, dressing, eating, or medication intake).
• Share musical memories: Ask about a memory behind their songs they loved

Studies show that many caregivers find that their most meaningful moments happen when music is involved. Even during difficult days, sharing a song can create connection and bring smiles.

Getting professional help and support

Let’s not forget that music is a powerful tool. However, it is most effective when integrated with medical care, family involvement, and professional counseling. Integrating the power of music with evidence-based care not only benefits patients through emotional fulfillment but also enables loved ones to cope better with dementia treatment.

Nowadays, professional care and expert guidance are available 24/7 on the best online psychiatrist platforms like GABA Telepsychiatry. Plus, it has proven valuable at times when the person with dementia is hesitant to go far from home for any reason (e.g., fear of the unknown, fear of meeting strangers, mobility issues, or discomfort with travel).

Professional help from online board-certified psychiatrists can help:

• Medication management to help with symptoms from worsening
• Provide behavioral strategies for challenging situations
• Support for family caregivers for necessary care guidance and emotional strength
• Regular check-ins to monitor the condition’s progression
• Connection to community resources and support groups

Remember, music is a great means, but it is the combination of music, medical treatment, family support, and professional counseling that works best. It is the kind of approach that honors both the patients’ medical needs and their spirit.