Experts discuss benefits of Music Therapy in Dementia

In a viral video clip Marta Cinta Gonzaacutelez Saldantildea mdash a former ballerina diagnosed with Alzheimerrsquos disease mdash can be seen undergoing an amazing transformation while listening to Tchaikovskyrsquos Swan Lake Her eyes light up her hands mimic the motions of the mythical swan queen and she even discusses wearing pointe shoes a relic from her dancing years The video highlights the tremendous impact of music on individuals suffering from dementia a term used to describe various symptoms of cognitive declineRiddhi Doshi with her fatherHow music helpsldquoThe words and temporal structure of songs fit together like pieces of a puzzle and get etched in our memory The more we listen to a song the more connections are formed in our brain enabling us to create associations and recollect the entire piece Music has been found to enhance secretion of lsquohappyrsquo hormones such as serotonin and dopamine all of which improve our emotional staterdquo explains Dr Pradeep Mahajan a regenerative medicine researcherSailesh MishraBy changing behavioural patterns and mood music can alleviate neuropsychological stress provide pain relief and reduce anxiety he adds In the case of Alzheimerrsquos disease which is one of the most common causes of dementia in old age affected individuals tend to forget even the most basic aspects of life ldquoIt is a neurodegenerative condition where deposits of certain proteins in the brain disrupt existing brain cell connections sometimes leading even to the death of brain cells This causes that individual to lose association between objects and actions in the early stages forgetfulness and progressively the ability to understand people things surroundings time and spacerdquo He elaborates that with different regions of the brain being stimulated by music listening to or playing music can help in slowing cognitive retardationSamay AjmeraSamay Ajmera a music therapist shares how music can help those with dementia 1 Orientation Playing music that the patient has enjoyed before she was diagnosed can bring himher back to the present ldquoThey feel a sense of validation when they can connect emotionally to a certain song This feeling can last for hours or an entire day depending on how strong the connection isrdquo Ajmera explains He shares that when an elderly couple diagnosed with Alzheimerrsquos heard their wedding song both began to sing along They recalled that they were married and had grown old together The ability to converse about those moments alleviated some distress2 Expression Many who have difficulty in communicating begin to sing along to songs they heard in the past Music therefore becomes an important tool suggests Sailesh Mishra founder of Silver Innings a community for senior citizens He had created a playlist of favourite Malayalam songs for a resident who had lost his ability to speak He stopped violently grinding his teeth and would even sing along3 Set a routine In severe cases individuals with dementia find it difficult to transition from day to night and viceversa Music can help set a routine ldquoPlaying different music and observing their response can help set up a music schedule Once the desired piece of music evokes the intended response you can continue to use it over againrdquo he advisesGetting startedAjmera suggests using music for dementia patients immediately after diagnosis1 Gauge history Create a timeline that includes pieces from various stages of their lives It helps to use musical pieces that are associated with an important life event such as a school anthem If necessary take the music therapistrsquos help to create it2 Break it up Mishra recommends beginning the day with chants hymns or other soothing music depending on the individualrsquos spiritual bent ldquoIn India music has a tremendous cultural significance mdash most of us are used to beginning our day with prayersrdquo he explains In instances where the individual becomes violent or aggressive use music to divert their attention Mishra says ldquoTherersquos no point arguing with or reacting to them Instead play music to calm themrdquo3 Get involved ldquoDemonstrate your involvement by clapping your hands tapping your feet and singing along Like a child would the individual will mimic you Speak with them about the music you have listened to Engage them in conversations about the memories associated with musicrdquo says Mishra4 Eliminate distractions Dr Chandranath Tiwari a neurosurgeon at Apollo Spectra Hospital advises choosing mediums that do not involve advertisements that interrupt the songs since it can cause confusion ldquoChoose a quiet space with no background noise Pay attention to the individualrsquos response If she is reacting negatively change the musicrdquo Tiwari signs offMusic that healsMy 89yearold father experiences frequent memory lapses During these periods he becomes quite agitated He does not eat sleeps all the time shouts and constantly asks for my mother or his caregiver He loves old Hindi songs they remind him of the experiences he shared with my mother from before We made a playlist of these songs When he is in a bad mood we play these songs It relaxes him and he gradually calms down We also play soothing meditative music in the mornings and end the day by chanting the Hanuman Chalisa to music We began chanting recently when he was hospitalised Although my father wakes up several times the chanting has helped him to sleep peacefully through the night Music also helps to alleviate stress for caregivers mdash my mother is a classical singer and music has played an important role in our family Creating a musical environment helps her emotional state Riddhi Doshi child psychologistKeep scrolling to read more newsCatch up on all the latest Mumbai news crime news current affairs and a complete guide from food to things to do and events across Mumbai Also download the new midday Android and iOS apps to get latest updates MidDay is now on Telegram Click here to join our channel middayinfomedialtd and stay updated with the latest news