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Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Study Shows Soothing Music Calms Elders with Alzheimer's

I plan ahead when assisting a senior with Alzheimer's and soft background music is one of the things I've tried that seemed to help the agitation and restlessness. An article from Reuters, "Music Therapy Helps Alzheimer's Patients" by Jane Vail, pub. in 1999, explained a study that proved soothing music can be effective. Aggression and agitation, as well as sleep patterns, were better after a month of music therapy for a group with Alzheimer's.

Blood tests proved that levels of chemicals changed in a positive manner after listening to calming music. The article said the people with Alzheimer's who received music therapy were more active, slept better and were more cooperative.

Sometimes I've assisted elders who have Alzheimer's sundowners syndrome, and I start creating a calming environment as the afternoon progresses to keep the agitation and wandering minimized. Relaxing games, soft music, an easy-going pace to the day's activities, and avoiding tension all seem to help.

The soothing music is nice for relaxing the caregiver too!

1 comment:

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