Using Music as a Medicine with Alzheimer's Patients

As a part of Reach Out Ministries I have had the opportunity to interact with many residents who suffer from Alzheimer's disease. A major part of my ministry is done through music. During the past year I have noticed that even those that have an advanced condition seem to respond positively to music. Recently, I was requested by a dear lady to come and pray with her family. Her husband was in hospice and not expected to live throughout the night. Her husband, I'll call him James, was exhibiting behavior similar to dermatillomania, (skin-picking disorder). I agreed to sit with James while they went to dinner. As I sat with him, he was trying to bite and pick himself. I began to gently rub his forehead and softly sing "Amazing Grace". He relaxed and stopped the constant biting and picking. When I stopped he resumed. So if you are a care giver to a family member who suffers from Alzheimer's or a terminal disease I suggest trying music as a medicine.

" Limited Research from the Mayo Clinic suggest that music can:

• Relieve stress
• Reduce anxiety and depression
• Reduce agitation

Music can also benefit caregivers by reducing anxiety, lightening the mood and providing a way to connect with loved ones who have Alzheimer's disease — especially those who have difficulty communicating.
If you'd like to use music to help a loved one who has Alzheimer's disease, consider these tips:

• Think about your loved one's preferences. What kind of music does your loved one enjoy? What music evokes memories of happy times in his or her life? Involve family and friends by asking them to suggest songs or make playlists.
• Set the mood. To calm your loved one during mealtime or a morning hygiene routine, play music or sing a song that's soothing. When you'd like to boost your loved one's mood, use faster paced music.
• Avoid over stimulation. When playing music, eliminate competing noises. Turn off the TV. Shut the door. Set the volume based on your loved one's hearing ability. Opt for music that isn't interrupted by commercials, which can cause confusion.
• Encourage movement. Help your loved one to clap along or tap his or her feet to the beat. If possible, dance with your loved one.
• Pay attention to your loved one's response. If your loved one seems to enjoy particular songs, play them often. If your loved one reacts negatively to a particular song or type of music, choose something else." [1]

[1] http://www.mayoclinic.org