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Alzheimer’s is a complex form of dementia that affects your loved one’s ability to recall memories, think things through in the moment, and ultimately influences your loved one’s behavior. In many ways, Alzheimer’s is still a medical mystery. Extensive research is being conducted in order to figure out why Alzherimer’s occurs and who is most vulnerable to this disease. There is much research suggesting the positive link between musical experiences and Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. This week, we’ve put together a few playlists that you and your loved one can enjoy listening to together.
Long term home care, in particular, can help patients recovering from surgery or injury as well as patients with ongoing or chronic medical conditions, such as Alzheimers disease, dementia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and ALS. While this article focuses on ALS nursing care in the home, similar factors may be used in considering a Parkinson’s care plan or multiple sclerosis care plan, as well as planning dementia home care or Alzheimers home care.
Studies have found that including music in your Alzheimer’s home care plan could ease your loved one’s Alzheimer’s symptoms. Research shows that music can engage Alzheimer’s patients, reduce their disorientation, help them concentrate and aid in mood regulation. The part of the brain that processes music seems to remain untouched by Alzherimer’s disease, according to the associate director of the Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Center, which is why music is a useful form of therapy. The Mayo Clinic recommends including music into home care for Alzheimer patients, because it can “relieve stress, reduce anxiety and depression, and reduce agitation.” According to research conducted in 2019, “individualized music regimens provided the best outcome for the patient.” This means that you may need to put a little thought into which music you should play for your loved one.
In-home care is often the best option for families, because it’s often more affordable than SNF and it’s more convenient for everyone. You don’t have to travel to as many appointments and you can pick and choose the hours in which you need home care assistance, ultimately reducing the cost.
If you’re interested in incorporating the benefits of home health care and music into your routine, you may be wondering what kind of music is best for those living with Alzheimer’s? Although musical taste often varies from individual to individual, some types are more successful than others at mitigating some of the symptoms associated with dementia. Across the board, music that’s positive and relaxing is considered the most useful. Also, consider playing music that was popular during your loved one’s younger years or songs that you know are their favorites. Here’s a list of Fedelta’s recommended music for Alzheimer’s home care for you to experiment with and see what your loved one responds to most positively.
Classical music is a great addition to Alzheimer’s home care. The right kind of classical music won’t be overstimulating, and instead relaxing. Take the time to turn off distractions in your home, like the television, when playing this music, so your loved one can get the full effect.
Listen on Spotify HERE
The movie musical is a much beloved work of art. Your loved one will almost certainly know these songs and may even want to sing along. Movie musical songs help to engage your loved one in a positive way. Play music from your loved one’s favorite movie musicals and see what they respond to the best.
Listen on Spotify HERE
Some of the most popular music has stood the test of time. Play songs that everyone was singing while your loved one was growing up or pick songs that are firmly fixed in popular culture. Choose your songs carefully and avoid popular songs that might be overstimulating.
Listen on Spotify HERE
For people who grew up attending religious services, playing songs from those services or that relate to their cultural affiliation may have an encouraging outcome. This music category will be very personal to your loved one and your family.
Listen on Spotify HERE
Have fun curating your list of music for Alzheimer’s home care. If your loved one is feeling up to it, ask what songs they would like to hear and add them to the list. Making their personal playlist may turn into a fun activity for your loved one and your family.
