Alzheimer’s disease is a common condition affecting about 7 million people in America. Music therapy could help slow cognitive decline and improve the quality of life for those living with dementia. At Cedar Creek, we offer innovative, compassionate care that incorporates engaging musical activities to support older adults living in our communities. As part of our commitment, we proudly partner with organizations such as Arts for the Aging, Musical Encounters, and professional harpists to bring the healing power of music to life for our residents.
Setting the Stage for Music and Memory
June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month — an ideal time to take a few moments to learn about the effects of Alzheimer’s and how friends and family members can support people who are living with memory loss.
Traditional treatments, such as drugs to slow cognitive decline during the early stages of Alzheimer’s, are important, but so are holistic therapies that focus on quality of life.
What if a familiar tune could bring a smile to the face of a person with dementia or evoke positive memories? That’s the idea behind life-enriching musical activities. In this blog, we’ll look at the link between music and memory and how personalized music playlists and musical therapies can enhance the quality of life for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Understanding the Connection Between Music and Memory
Researchers are still investigating the link between music and human memory; however, it’s thought to act on several areas of the brain.
How Does Music Affect Memory?
Listening to music activates multiple regions of the brain and causes those regions to communicate with each other. It triggers parts of the brain spared by Alzheimer’s and can have numerous positive effects on mood, behavior, and cognitive function.
Recent neurological research into how the brain processes rhythm and melody and how the reward centers of the brain process music has found that music itself is rewarding. It also shows that the positive associations of music can help boost memory and recall.
From classical music to jazz to personalized playlists, experts have shown how listening to music can help with the confusion, distress and cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In addition, they’ve found its calming and soothing effect helps with behavioral issues.
Whether used in a professional setting or in home care, the benefits of music therapy for dementia are clear: Playing familiar songs or building music into a regular routine can help promote a sense of calm and well-being.
Music and Memory Psychology Explained
To understand how music and memory recall work, it’s important to understand the way the brain stores memories and how music interacts with that.
Our memories and our ability to memorize things are closely tied to our mood. The concept of emotional encoding refers to the idea that we’re more likely to remember things that are linked to the mood we’re in. We also tend to form associations between things (and concepts), and those links can be crucial when it comes to remembering.
These concepts are why a familiar smell might bring back memories of a specific day or why hearing your favorite music might evoke a particular mood or remind you of a person who was a part of your life when you listened to that song, strengthening autobiographical recall.
Benefits of Music in Memory Care Settings
Playing music in memory care settings can have several potential benefits.
Enhancing Mood and Reducing Agitation
Listening to music can help reduce stress, depression and confusion and even improve a person’s ability to communicate. Using calming music for Alzheimer’s memory care helps older adults stay engaged and focused on familiar daily routines.
Improving Cognitive Engagement Through Music
Music can also help seniors stay alert and encourage them to engage in daily activities. Memory care homes using music therapy for cognitive decline may find that carefully selected music played during memory care activities helps enhance cognitive performance and emotional connection.
Deepening Family and Caregiver Connections
Familiar music or shared new musical experiences can forge or rebuild emotional bonds. While Cedar Creek encourages family participation in activities, we do not currently offer therapeutic playlists or caregiver-led music programs as take-home resources.
Inside Cedar Creek’s Music and Memory Program
A Compassionate, Engaging Approach
Our memory care program incorporates music-based activities, such as sing-alongs and musical entertainment, to enrich daily life.
Daily Life in Harmony
From morning melodies to afternoon sing-alongs, music is a regular part of the Cedar Creek experience. These routines help maintain structure and familiarity.
Empowering Caregivers With Tools and Training
We welcome families to join activities and celebrate moments of connection through music.
If you’re struggling to care for someone with dementia, look for these common caregiver stress warning signs. Our team is here to help guide you through options for memory care.
Why the Music and Memory Program Matters Now More Than Ever
An aging population means Alzheimer’s disease is becoming increasingly common and our music and memory program matters more than ever before.
Honoring Humanity Through Harmony
An Alzheimer’s diagnosis doesn’t erase a person’s identity. At Cedar Creek, familiar music and group sing-alongs help residents connect with their memories and with others. Through our musical activities, we deliver care that aligns with our person-centered values.
Cedar Creek’s Leadership in Whole-Person Care
Cedar Creek is a trusted dementia care provider in Montgomery County, Maryland. We offer holistic, person-centered care, combining evidence-based techniques with activities that bring comfort and joy.
Discover how Cedar Creek redefines memory care — book a visit or consultation today.
Reconnect, Rejoice, Remember: The Power of Music in Alzheimer’s Care
Music is more than entertainment — it can unlock joy, spark conversation, and foster community. This Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, take time to explore how music can enrich lives.
At Cedar Creek, we believe in compassionate, personalized memory care, and music is one of the ways we help residents feel at home.
Let music be the start of something meaningful. Contact us to learn how Cedar Creek’s memory care team supports your loved one with dignity and purpose.
References:
- Alzheimer’s Association – Facts and Figures
- Music as Medicine
- The promise of music for Alzheimer’s disease
