Music against Alzheimer’s: patients remember songs
Music seems to have a surprising therapeutic power, especially in Alzheimer’s patients
Music, a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, has always fascinated humanity. But in addition to being a source of pleasure and fun, music seems to have an amazing therapeutic power, especially against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. How come, while the most recent memories fade away, the melodies of yesteryear remain imprinted in the mind of those who suffer from this pathology?
The musical brain: an intact sanctuary
The answer lies in the complex interaction between music and brain. Neuroscientific research has shown that brain areas involved in musical perception and emotional memory are often among the last to suffer the damage caused by Alzheimer’s disease. This phenomenon has been called “conservation island” and suggests that music-related neural circuits are particularly resilient.
Why is music so powerful?
- Emotions and memory: Music has the unique ability to evoke intense and lasting emotions. When we listen to a song, a series of physiological and neurochemical reactions are activated that strengthen the memory. The emotions associated with a piece of music are encoded together with the melody, creating an indissoluble bond
- Multisensory stimulation: Listening to music involves not only hearing, but also sight, movement and touch. This multisensory stimulation activates a vast network of neural connections, helping to maintain the plasticity of the brain and delay its decline
- Rhythm and language: The rhythm of music and the language of songs are closely interrelated. Rhythm can help improve attention and coordination, while language can stimulate verbal memory
The benefits of music therapy
Music therapy, or the use of music for therapeutic purposes, offers many advantages to people with Alzheimer’s:
- Mood improvement: Music can reduce anxiety, depression and aggression, promoting a state of emotional well-being
- Communication facilitation: Singing and listening to music can stimulate non-verbal communication, creating a bridge between the patient and the outside world
- Cognitive stimulation: Music can help keep cognitive functions, such as memory, attention and language, active even in the advanced stages of the disease
- Reduction of problematic behaviors: Music can be used as a tool to calm and distract people with Alzheimer’s, reducing the frequency and intensity of agitated behavior
Music therapy: a support for caregivers
Music therapy not only benefits patients, but also provides valuable support to caregivers. Sharing a musical experience with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s can strengthen the emotional bond and improve the quality of the relationship.
The future of research
Scientific research in the field of music therapy is constantly evolving. New studies are investigating the neural mechanisms behind the effectiveness of music and developing new techniques and therapeutic tools. The aim is to improve the quality of life of people with Alzheimer’s and delay the progression of the disease.
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