Music has many purposes, whether it's to relax, amplify emotions, or connect with others. However, an important and often overlooked additional function is that, when used correctly, music can improve overall health. This field, known as music therapy, has shown great benefits, especially in older people dealing with memory disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer's.

What is music therapy?

Music therapy is a form of music intervention performed by a licensed professional. This professional must have completed an approved bachelor's or master's degree program in music therapy and passed the national music therapy exam. The goals of music therapy depend on the needs of the patient, whether it is to improve memory, reduce pain, express emotions, or improve general well-being. A music therapy session may include creating, listening to, or moving to music that has a positive association for the patient.

What are the benefits of music therapy?

Music memory is processed throughout the brain, so it remains accessible even in people with brain tissue damage. In addition, it can help exercise neurons that are often dormant in the brain of a person with a memory disorder. In other words, music therapy helps maximize the functions of the remaining mental abilities in those who have suffered from memory loss.

According to a study titled Music Intervention for Older Adults: Evidence Map of Systematic Reviews According to Guiyue Ma, MD, and Xiaoqin Ma, PhD, the benefits of music therapy can be divided into five categories: psychology, cognition, physiology, quality of life, and well-being.

• In terms of psychological benefits, music therapy has been shown to reduce depression, anxiety, agitation, apathy and stress.
• Cognitive benefits include improved cognitive function, memory, attention, executive function, cooperation, and the ability to interact.
• Key outcomes in the categories of physiology, well-being, and quality of life include improvements in behavioral symptoms, physical performance, sleep patterns, pain, and dietary functions.

Who can benefit from music therapy?

Music therapy is an excellent tool that can benefit all seniors, especially if it is part of a comprehensive wellness plan. It is particularly helpful for those who wish to improve their existing brain functions, have chronic illnesses/pain, and/or mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Additionally, it can help reduce the need for costly medical interventions, which in turn decreases medical expenses.

Music therapy is a fantastic way to seek holistic health improvements for any older person in an accessible, non-invasive and enjoyable way. By combining something as pleasurable as music with therapeutic strategies for mental enhancement, older people can enhance their overall wellbeing.

Source: FactSheet_Music_Therapy_and_Dementia_Care_2021.pdf (musictherapy.org)

Source: What is Music Therapy? | What is Music Therapy? | American Music Therapy Association (AMTA)

Source: Music Intervention for older adults: Evidence Map of Systematic Reviews – PMC (nih.gov)