Let The Music Play!

There is new research which seems to suggest that music may improve specific functions such as speech and movement.  Music stimulates and activates certain centers in the brain.  For example, some people who have lost the ability to speak because of a brain injury or stroke have regained their ability to speak through singing.  In early testing it has been shown that a person with Parkinson’s disease can walk and even dance with music playing but cannot do either without music.  Caregivers can find music helpful in caregiving.  Here are some tips from music therapists for those who have lost speech function:

• Select songs that are familiar – Have the person sing out their needs.
• Choose the tool for delivery, i.e., CD player, MP3 player, iPod, iPad,
  Kindle or turntable.  You can also go to the website Pandora.com and chose music that matches the person’s taste.
• Let music help to set the mood.  Music can ease depression, encourage a sedentary person to get up to dance, soothe anxiety and help a person to feel happy.
• Choose appropriate music for the task at hand.  Music can ease transitions such as encouraging a person to move to a different place or do a different activity.  For example, play soothing, quiet and gentle music when awakening a person.  Play music that is peppier when
  getting a person ready for the day.  For persons with dementia try singing instructions rather than speaking them.  Never use loud, pounding music.
• Enjoy music together.  It can be very difficult and lonely to take care of someone who cannot communicate.  Listening to music together helps with bonding.  Music encourages movement and stimulates pleasant memories. 
  It is a great stress reducer.