The Power of Music: How Music Therapy Improves Mood and Reduces Agitation in People with Dementia

Dementia is a progressive condition that affects memory, cognition, and behaviour. As the condition advances, individuals often experience mood disturbances, agitation, and anxiety, which can be distressing for both the person living with dementia and their carers. While medication is often used to manage symptoms, non-pharmacological interventions such as music therapy have gained increasing recognition for their effectiveness in improving emotional well-being and reducing agitation.

In this post, we’ll explore how music therapy works, the science behind its benefits, practical ways to integrate music into dementia care, and how Young At Heart ULO CIC can provide free MP3 players with personalised playlists to people living with dementia.

What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is an evidence-based practice that uses music to support emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being. It can be delivered by trained professionals or incorporated informally into daily care routines. Music therapy does not require the person living with dementia to have any prior musical ability—its effectiveness lies in the way music stimulates the brain and evokes emotional responses.

Music therapy sessions can involve:

• Listening to familiar songs
• Singing along to favourite tunes
• Playing musical instruments
• Moving or dancing to music
• Engaging in guided relaxation with music

These activities can be tailored to individual preferences, making music therapy a deeply personal and meaningful intervention.

How Does Music Therapy Improve Mood in Dementia?

Music has a profound connection to memory and emotion. Research suggests that even in the later stages of dementia, musical memories often remain intact because they are stored in areas of the brain that are less affected by the disease. When a person hears a familiar song, it can trigger feelings of joy, comfort, and nostalgia, improving their overall mood.

1. Activating Positive Emotions

Music can stimulate the release of dopamine, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, which enhances pleasure and motivation. It can also reduce the stress hormone cortisol, helping to alleviate anxiety and depression. For someone living with dementia, hearing a favourite song from their youth can bring back happy memories and create moments of connection.

2. Encouraging Social Interaction

Group music sessions provide opportunities for social engagement, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. Whether it’s singing together in a choir, clapping along to a beat, or simply sharing musical preferences, these interactions foster a sense of belonging and community.

3. Providing Comfort and Reassurance

For individuals experiencing distress or confusion, music can act as a source of comfort. Soft, slow-tempo music can have a calming effect, helping to ease restlessness and agitation. Singing a familiar lullaby or hymn can also provide reassurance during moments of anxiety.

Can Music Therapy Reduce Agitation?

Agitation is a common behavioural symptom in dementia, often manifesting as restlessness, verbal outbursts, or aggression. These behaviours can be challenging to manage, but music therapy has been shown to significantly reduce agitation in individuals with dementia.

1. Regulating Emotions

Music can help to regulate emotions and reduce agitation by offering a non-verbal way to express feelings. When words become difficult, music provides an alternative means of communication, helping individuals feel understood and validated.

2. Creating a Soothing Environment

Playing gentle, rhythmic music can have a soothing effect, especially during times of increased stress, such as personal care routines. Research has found that incorporating music into bathing, dressing, or mealtimes can lead to a more relaxed experience for both the individual and their carer.

3. Redirecting Attention

When a person becomes agitated, introducing music can act as a distraction, shifting their focus away from distressing stimuli. Upbeat, rhythmic music may encourage movement and engagement, helping to channel restless energy in a positive way.

Access a Free MP3 Player with a Personalised Playlist

At Young At Heart ULO CIC, we understand the power of music in dementia care, which is why we provide free MP3 players pre-loaded with personalised playlists for people living with dementia. Having access to familiar and meaningful music can significantly enhance well-being, offering comfort, connection, and joy.

To request a free MP3 player for a loved one or someone in your care, please contact Young At Heart ULO CIC. We will work with families and carers to create a tailored playlist filled with songs that hold personal meaning for the individual.

This initiative ensures that people with dementia can access the proven benefits of music therapy without any cost, helping to reduce agitation and improve quality of life.

Practical Ways to Use Music in Dementia Care

Even without a trained music therapist, carers can incorporate music into daily routines to enhance well-being and reduce agitation. Here are some simple yet effective ways to use music at home or in care settings:

• Create personalised playlists – Compile a playlist of the person’s favourite songs, focusing on music from their young adulthood (typically ages 15-25).
• Use music to set the mood – Play calming music during mealtimes or before bed, and livelier music during the day to encourage activity.
• Encourage participation – Singing, clapping, or tapping along to music can make the experience more interactive and engaging.
• Match music to the situation – For relaxation, choose classical or slow instrumental music. For stimulation, opt for upbeat and familiar tunes.
• Be mindful of volume and preferences – Some people with dementia may be sensitive to loud sounds, so adjust the volume to a comfortable level.

The Evidence Behind Music Therapy in Dementia Care

Numerous studies have highlighted the benefits of music therapy for people living with dementia. Research findings include:

• A 2018 study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that personalised music programmes led to reduced agitation and improved mood in care home residents with dementia.
• A systematic review in Frontiers in Psychology (2020) concluded that music-based interventions significantly improved emotional well-being and reduced behavioural symptoms in people with dementia.
• A study in Aging & Mental Health (2019) reported that music therapy sessions increased social engagement and enhanced communication among individuals with dementia.

These findings support the growing recognition that music therapy is not just an enjoyable activity but a valuable tool in dementia care.

Conclusion

Music therapy offers a simple yet powerful way to enhance the quality of life for people living with dementia. By improving mood, reducing agitation, and fostering social connection, music can create moments of joy and emotional comfort. Whether through structured music therapy sessions or informal singalongs at home, integrating music into dementia care can make a profound difference.

If you or someone you support could benefit from a free MP3 player with a personalised playlist, please reach out to Young At Heart ULO CIC. The right song at the right time can transform a challenging moment into one of connection and peace.

Sources

1. Särkämö, T., et al. (2014). “Music listening enhances cognitive recovery and mood after middle cerebral artery stroke.” Brain, 137(3), 868-877.
2. van der Steen, J. T., et al. (2018). “Music-based therapeutic interventions for people with dementia.” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (7).
3. Gómez-Romero, M., et al. (2017). “Benefits of music therapy on behaviour disorders in subjects diagnosed with dementia: A systematic review.” Neurología (English Edition), 32(4), 253-263.
4. Vink, A. C., et al. (2020). “Music therapy for people with dementia.” Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 778.