Listening to music to alleviate Alzheimer’s symptoms

New research supports music therapy to treat cognitive dementia.

Auditory memory is located in an area of the brain different from that of other memories, specifically in the temporal lobe area, which is located near the temple and ear.

Although this area is one of the first to be affected by Alzheimer's disease, it is also one of the first to be affected. Alzheimer's and that under the effects of this disease many patients do not even know their own name, nor recognize their closest relatives (spouses, children, siblings...), it is common for people with this dementia to remember songs that they may have heard long ago, in their early youth. How is it possible that many do not have the ability to speak but can hum songs and be moved by them? Let's start with the basics.

Alzheimer's: what is it?

Alzheimer's disease, or senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type, is a neurodegenerative disease that causes severe damage to the brain. a neurodegenerative disease that causes severe damage to the brain, killing nerve cells and breaking their connections with each other.It kills nerve cells and breaks their connections with each other, resulting in irreversible impairment of cognition, behavior and, usually, immediate memory. However, intervention based on music therapy can help in its treatment, although it does not cure the disease.

It is the most frequent type of dementia in terms of epidemiology; it is a devastating disease, not only for the sufferer, but also for the patient's relatives who watch as their relative deteriorates and becomes completely dependent from being an independent and autonomous person.

Even so, the area in charge of processing and storing music seems to be less affected than the rest of the areas. Recent studies conducted by neurologists conclude that, for the most part, patients with an advanced level of this ailment maintain their musical memories.. In this way, music can help them to relax and improve their mood. In this sense, music therapy is a good option to alleviate the effects of Alzheimer's disease.

What is music therapy?

Music therapy is the use of music in medical, educational and daily life interventions.. It can be oriented to individuals, groups or communities with the aim of improving their quality of life in different aspects.

The use of music therapy is increasingly used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, as well as in the intervention of other types of neurological disorders, such as depression, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia and amnesia. One of the greatest advantages of music therapy is that any family member or caregiver can practice it at home with the patient.

How are the music therapy sessions conducted?

The therapy is carried out in a group, the therapists previously investigate about the patient's musical biography, asking his relatives and finding out which musical style is the one the patient used to listen to, or which song has a special significance for him, that is, which song or theme is linked to a memory that in turn represented for the patient a vital experience. For example, the song that was listened to when he met his future wife or that tune from an old record player that he listened to in his childhood during the summer break...the examples are countless.

A particular melody or song is a link to past memories in the form of sensations and emotions deeply rooted in our mind. in our mind. This is because we are emotional beings; let us not be fooled by outdated beliefs that define the human being as a rational animal, emotions are very powerful and they precede ideas, since ideas can change according to the emotions we feel. In addition, patients can be invited to dance, so that their physical condition is improved and they interact socially.

The effectiveness of music therapy

Research has focused on determining the efficacy and physiological mechanisms that produce a considerable improvement in the symptoms of the disease. It has been demonstrated that music therapy improves attention in patients and mitigates negative symptoms such as irritability, anxiety and sadness.

In a research study, it was determined which areas of the brain were activated when listening to music and later it was analyzed whether the aforementioned areas presented a deterioration or, on the contrary, whether they resisted more the advance of neuronal degradation caused by Alzheimer's disease. It was concluded that neuronal stimulation by means of music produces benefits at the cognitive level, i.e., it improves concentration, concentration and concentration.that is to say, it improves concentration and orientation in reality as well as maintaining speech and verbal communication skills. On a physical level it produces a sedative effect, and on a socioemotional level it increases self-esteem, improves social interaction and prevents isolation and loneliness. As it is commonly said, "music is the medicine of the soul".