Music therapy and dementia: a way to promote well-being

Dementia is one of the most challenging and complex diseases of our time, which has a profound impact not only on the lives of those affected, but also on those of their relatives. The search for effective treatment options therefore goes far beyond purely medicinal approaches. One of these non-pharmacological methods that has become increasingly important in recent years is music therapy. We explain how music therapy promotes the well-being of people with dementia and why it is a valuable addition to the treatment of people with dementia.

Note: Here you can find our article on “Tips for relatives of people with dementia”

What is music therapy?

Music therapy can be divided into two main forms: active and receptive music therapy. In active music therapy, patients are encouraged to become musically active themselves, for example by singing or playing an instrument. This form of therapy encourages active participation and can strengthen the patient’s self-esteem and cognitive abilities.

In receptive music therapy, on the other hand, the focus is on listening to music, which often has a biographical connection to the person. This form of therapy can have a calming effect and awaken deeply rooted memories and emotions. In an interview with German Stroke Aid, music physician Eckart Altenmüller recommends that relatives can play their favourite music to patients for an hour every day. This does not require a therapist, has a proven effect and does not incur any additional costs.

Music therapy for dementia

Music accompanies most people throughout their lives and is closely linked to memories and emotions. It shapes our lives from childhood and remains an important part of our lives into old age. For people with dementia, music can evoke deeply rooted memories and feelings that seem to have been lost due to the illness. A patient with dementia who can no longer pronounce their own name may still be able to sing a four-verse folk song.

The targeted use of music can therefore have positive effects on quality of life and life satisfaction. Music therapy encompasses various approaches, including listening to music, singing, playing instruments, dancing and moving to music.

As a non-drug treatment option, music therapy offers a complementary form of therapy that can play a decisive role for dementia patients. The ability to communicate is a fundamental human need. When the ability to speak declines in the course of dementia, communication increasingly shifts to non-verbal levels, which make it possible to express emotions. Music, as a universal language, enables such non-verbal communication and can thus contribute to improving quality of life.

According to the German Music Therapy Society, more than 300 professionally qualified music therapists currently work with dementia patients in Germany. These therapists work in geriatric and gerontopsychiatric clinics, nursing homes, day clinics and outpatient care centres.

In recent years, the focus of music therapy has also shifted to the home environment. Many people with dementia have limited mobility and it can be beneficial to carry out therapy in familiar surroundings. Outpatient provision of music therapy enables access to this important form of therapy without the need for arduous journeys. This opens up new possibilities in the care and support of dementia patients and their relatives.

What does the research say?

Various studies have shown the positive effects of music therapy for dementia in recent years. This research has shown that music therapy can support and partially restore cognitive and motor skills. It also promotes communication and interaction between those affected. The effect of music therapy on reducing anxiety and aggression is particularly remarkable. This non-drug form of treatment can therefore make a significant contribution to improving well-being and social interaction.

The findings of the Leipzig researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences confirm that music therapy is an important component of Alzheimer’s therapies. Neuroscientific imaging techniques support these findings and show the effectiveness of music therapy for mental and psychiatric illnesses, particularly depression and dementia in old age.

Although numerous studies have proven the effectiveness of music therapy, it is not yet a statutory health insurance service or a ‘self-evident’ form of therapy, such as occupational therapy, speech therapy or physiotherapy. It is therefore necessary to continue to draw attention to music therapy as a suitable form of therapy and to substantiate its effectiveness with further studies.

The federal initiative ‘Music and dementia’

The federal initiative ‘Music and Dementia’ in Germany aims to improve the quality of life of people with dementia through the targeted use of music. Music has the potential to have positive effects on the emotional well-being, cognitive abilities and social interaction of people with dementia. In order to utilise these benefits, the initiative integrates music into the care and support of people with dementia. A central concern is the promotion of quality of life, as music can evoke emotional reactions, awaken memories and increase general well-being.

The initiative supports carers and relatives through training and further education so that they can learn how to use music effectively in their care. The initiative also promotes exchange and networking between different stakeholders in the field of dementia care and music therapy in order to share best practices and successful concepts. Scientific monitoring and research are also essential components in order to investigate and document the effectiveness of music in dementia care.

The measures and activities of the federal initiative include musical programmes such as concerts, singing groups and music therapy sessions specifically for dementia patients. Further training for carers and relatives on the use of music in care and the establishment of networks between care facilities, music therapists and other relevant stakeholders are also key elements. The federal initiative ‘Music and Dementia’ thus shows how non-pharmacological approaches, in particular music, can be successfully integrated into the care and support of dementia patients in order to improve their quality of life.

Our conclusion

Music therapy is a valuable and effective addition to the treatment of dementia. It not only promotes patients’ cognitive and motor skills, but also their emotional and social interaction. Outpatient care and the implementation of therapy in the home environment open up new possibilities for the care of dementia patients. Despite its proven effectiveness, music therapy needs to be further recognised and funded by health insurance companies. The federal initiative ‘Music and Dementia’ and the numerous studies on music therapy are making an important contribution here.

Music is a powerful tool that is deeply rooted in our memories and emotions. For people with dementia, music therapy offers a way to revitalise these memories and regain a piece of their identity and zest for life. The promotion and integration of music therapy in the treatment of dementia is therefore of great importance and should continue to be pursued intensively.