Music and the Alzheimer’s World
July 7, 2007 by Mary Emma Allen
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
Music is important in the Alzheimer’s world, both for the patient and for caregivers. It’s relaxing, buoys your mood, boosts your spirit and is something you can share. I saw Mother, when I didn’t think she was comprehending the world around her, tap her hand on the arm of her chair to the rhythm of music. Other nursing home residents enjoyed watching videos of old time music.
Yvonne Russell set me thinking about music when I read her post, Whistle While You Write…7 Songs Meme, at Grow Your Writing Business blog. Although Yvonne didn’t tag anyone for the meme (ask anyone specific to share their favorite songs), she invited readers to share their thoughts about music.
I generally prefer quiet music, relaxing music, yet something with an upbeat tempo. Mother enjoyed songs like You Are My Sunshine, She’ll Be Comin’ Round the Mountain, Red River Valley and a variety of hymns. (Those were the songs of her youth…and the era where she thought she was at that point in time.)
I discovered Native American flute music when Jim and I visited Sedona, AZ. Music from the Civil War era fascinates me. I can visualize the ladies making quilts to send to the soldiers while softly singing some of these songs. Yanni’s songs are others I find enjoyable.
Think about it… What type of music do you like to listen to and share with your family member as you go about your daily tasks of caregiving. Often the bond of shared music can relieve tension and frustration. Soft background music may be relaxing for both of you. And sometimes you might like something very lively!
I won’t tag anyone either, for a meme, but would find it interesting if you’d share the music you and the person you’re caring for enjoy.
I used to sing old hymns to my grandmother who had Alzheimer’s. It seemed to be quieting for her.
I hadn’t thought about the civil war or thinking of associating music from that time with what they would have been doing in their daily activities… interesting.
Kathy,
How lovely that you sang hymns to your grandmother. I can see that hymns could be calming and comforting, especially to someone who always enjoyed this type of music.
Yvonne, when I hear songs of earlier generations or eras, I often try to visualize the people who might have been singing them and what they were doing.