Alzheimer's disease can definitely be devastating for the individual suffering from the condition as well as for their family members and friends. Alzheimer's disease can bring on a wide range of emotions for them and for their loved ones, especially those who provide care on a daily basis.
If you are taking care of an elderly family member who has Alzheimer's, you may benefit from incorporating music in your daily routine. According to research, music has been found to decrease the need for medication and improve the symptoms of Alzheimer's and dementia. Here's what you need to know.
Music Matters
One of the most joyous times you will likely experience through caretaking is when your loved one with Alzheimer's relives their jubilant youth by gloriously—and loudly— belting out a favorite song from their teenage years. But when (or if) a song comes on that reminds them of a job they had when they were middle-aged, they may throw things in a temper tantrum because they are anxiously worried about getting to work on time, even though they haven't been employed for several decades. Essentially, music sets the tone.
Take Piano Lessons
Whether you took piano lessons as a child or not, being able to play the piano at a moment's notice can also be beneficial for your loved one's psychological and behavioral symptoms. Buy a piano (or a keyboard) and take piano lessons. The first songs you will learn will be easy, youthful songs that your loved one will surely remember, such as Mary Had a Little Lamb, and they'll be taken back in time (in their minds) to the stress-free days of their youth.
Learn to Sing Their Favorite Songs
Of course, it'll take some time before your fingers fly across the piano keys. Until then, use your voice and sing! Learn the lyrics of your loved one's favorite songs so you can sing them by heart at any time and at any place. This can be helpful in situations that otherwise may become dire if you don't keep control of the environment and situation, such as their feeling angry when there's a traffic jam on the way to a medical appointment, for example. If you don't have a good idea of what songs they enjoyed when their mental status was healthier, ask other family members and friends if anyone remembers what singers and bands your loved one enjoyed during their youth.
Contact a company, like Las Vegas Pianos, for more help.
Share3 January 2018
Ever since I was a young child, I have loved singing. While I never became a professional singer, I sing in a local chorus and I love putting on shows. However, I also enjoy listening to music and when someone asks me what my favorite music genre is, I tell them "all of them!" However, I especially love seasonal music and am always eager to turn on holiday music as soon as the weather begins getting cooler in the fall. I recently decided that more people need to embrace music, because it has healing qualities and really makes the world a happier place. I decided to create a blog to share my favorite new music finds, tips for singers, and many other music-related tips on! Come back often for a little music education and a lot of fun!