It’s always gratifying to me when science “confirms” my oft-stated beliefs. Many of you know me as the geriatric specialist with my books showing readers how to most successfully traverse the ParentingOurParents (POP) years. But you may not know how often I have “prescribed” music to my patients as a wonderful way to communicate with aging loved ones, especially when their words have become challenging.
Now we have some important new data confirming the bounty of benefits of music to salve our loved ones troubled with dementia when they get distressed – and why not before they get distressed as well?
A revolutionary NHS study has shown that listening to music definitely helped dementia patients to become calmer. Researchers put music therapists to work on dementia wards for four weeks, working with 28 patients who were experiencing severe distress. Instead of reaching for medications, this staff learned to reach solely for instruments, personalized song playlists, and the healing power of music.
Notably, these patients not only became calmer in their bodies and minds but they also decreased those disruptive behaviors no one enjoys and no psychotropic drugs were used. This study demonstrates that music therapy is a cheaper and, in many ways, a far better choice than psychotropic medications for managing severe distress in dementia.
The good news is that you, too, can easily create a playlist of your folks’ old favorites and play it when you’re visiting them in facilities or while driving in the car. Maybe you can even reach for a musical instrument when you’re together. Then you, too, will likely see a calmer and more joyous loved one and a happier day for all involved. Seems so easy …
What do you think?
Comment(1)
Loi Eberle, M.A., C.P.C., C.P.F.C. says
Oct 02,2025 at 10:26 pmIt’s great that you are sharing research about what we inherently know to be true! Most likely we feel how music affects us personally; it makes sense that it affects others as well. Thank you!!