Dementia is a complex and challenging condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide, including those in Australia. It not only impacts memory and cognitive function but also takes a toll on emotional and behavioural well-being. In the quest to provide holistic and compassionate care to dementia patients, music therapy has emerged as a powerful tool.
In this blog, we will explore the significance of using music to help dementia patients and discuss how music interventions can be facilitated through innovative apps and assistive technology. We will also cover a new development in AI-powered music therapy.
The Therapeutic Power of Music
Music has been an integral part of human culture and expression for centuries. Its impact on our emotions and mental well-being is well-documented. Music has the unique ability to evoke memories, stir emotions, and create a sense of connection. When it comes to dementia care, harnessing the therapeutic power of music can be transformative. Below are several reasons why music is important in dementia care.
Memory Recall
Music can trigger memories and emotions that are otherwise difficult for dementia patients to access. Listening to familiar songs from their past can provide a sense of comfort and nostalgia.
Emotional Expression
Dementia patients often struggle to communicate their feelings verbally. Music provides an alternative channel for emotional expression, allowing patients to convey their emotions through melodies and rhythms.
Reduced Anxiety and Agitation
Music has a calming effect and can help alleviate anxiety and agitation often experienced by dementia patients. Playing songs from the senior’s younger years may further enhance the calming effect.
Enhanced Social Interaction
Group music sessions encourage social interaction among dementia patients. Singing together, clapping, and dancing can foster a sense of community and belonging.
Improved Cognitive Function
Engaging with music stimulates various parts of the brain, potentially enhancing cognitive function and memory retention in dementia patients.
Music Therapy Through Apps
In recent years, technology has opened up new possibilities for delivering music therapy to dementia patients. Mobile apps and assistive technologies have made it easier to provide personalised and effective music interventions, with a number of positive developments.
Personalised Playlists
Mobile apps allow caregivers to create personalised playlists of music tailored to each dementia patient’s preferences. These playlists can include songs from their youth, favourite artists, or genres that resonate with them.
Music Reminiscence
Apps can incorporate a reminiscence therapy approach, where caregivers use music to prompt conversations about the patient’s past experiences and memories associated with specific songs.
Artificial intelligence (AI) Support
Artificial intelligence (AI) can help curate music playlists based on a patient’s history and responses. It can learn and adapt to a patient’s evolving preferences over time.
Mood Regulation
Apps can be equipped with features to detect and respond to changes in a patient’s mood. For instance, if a patient becomes agitated, the app can switch to calming music to help them relax.
Guided Music Sessions
Caregivers can use apps to facilitate guided music therapy sessions, which may include singing along, playing musical instruments, or rhythmic movements. These sessions are designed to engage and stimulate patients.
Assistive Technology for Music Therapy
Besides apps, various assistive technologies are being developed to enhance the music therapy experience for dementia patients.
Music-Triggered Memories
Assistive technology can link specific songs to digital photo albums, allowing dementia patients to view photos and videos from their past when a particular song is played.
Sensory Devices
Wearable sensory devices can provide a multisensory experience, incorporating vibrations, light, and scent along with music to create a holistic therapeutic encounter.
Virtual Reality (VR)
Virtual reality technology can transport dementia patients to different environments while immersing them in soothing music. VR experiences can be customised to match a patient’s interests.
Interactive Music Platforms
Some assistive technologies offer interactive platforms where patients can create music, play virtual instruments, or participate in collaborative music-making, even if they have no prior musical experience.
Google Backing
In light of the above points, search engine giant Google is considering funding further efforts to develop music therapy for dementia patients.
In September 2023, UniMelbourne announced that Google’s philanthropy division awarded $2m in grants for the university to build up a music therapy AI app called MATCH (Music Attuned Technology – Care via eHealth). The money comes from Google’s AI for the Global Goals Impact Challenge, an initiative for AI development projects to support the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals. The university is the initiative’s sole Australian beneficiary, and the funding comes as the Aged Care Royal Commission recommended that Australian aged care providers set up music and art therapy programmes for dementia patients by July 2024.
MATCH works by playing songs designed to trigger agitation behaviour in a dementia patient, as some songs or musical scores may calm them. The object is to develop positive interventions for carers by helping them identify musical pieces most relevant to the patient. Google is also collaborating with the MATCH development team to create a system for the app to play music based on the patient’s audio choices, later using the knowledge to possibly build a special wearable music therapy device for dementia patients.
“By combining the known therapeutic benefits of the patients’ personally preferred music with wearable sensor technology and AI that creates a bespoke music adaptive system, we will be able to provide early detection and treatment of agitation,” said chief MATCH researcher and music therapist Prof Felicity Baker.
Conclusion
Music therapy has the power to transform the lives of dementia patients by tapping into the emotional and cognitive benefits of music, even more so with tech innovation helping generate personalised choices for a patient. As we look to the future, it’s clear that music therapy will continue to play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for dementia patients and provide them with the comfort, connection, and support they deserve. Music truly is a harmonious remedy for the soul, especially for those facing the challenges of dementia.
The A.S.A.G. Reverse Mortgage
Music therapy services may be factored in when taking out an A.S.A.G. Reverse Mortgage. A Home Care facility, in particular, might include paying for subscriptions to a music on-demand service or to purchase audio equipment or albums for home use. The rationale for the purchase can depend on the senior’s medical evaluation.
Please contact the A.S.A.G. at 1300 002 724 or send an email to info@asagfirst.com.au to explore your music finance options. You can also use the equity assessment tool below.