Let the music play on...

Hi All,

I think music is one of the most powerful things in the world. It can instantly lift us up or make us reflective or even melancholy, and its effects seem to get more pronounced the older we get. It’s stirred up whole nations in times of trouble and most of us identify at least in part with our national anthems, even if we don’t particularly buy into patriotism.

I got started on thinking about this a few days ago when I was online and watched a scene from the musical film Cabaret, in which a member of the Hitler Youth stands up in a beer garden and sings a stirring song, “Tomorrow Belongs to Me” invoking patriotic feelings in almost everyone present. (A bit chilling, considering it’s sung on behalf of Germany, just pre World War 2). That led to reading some online articles about the general power of music and then on to music in caring for dementia-sufferers. I’m pretty sure that although it’s a helpful tool in dementia care, it also applies to almost anyone who has lived long enough to have acquired their own inner musical memory bank. I know it can evoke past memories for me, getting me out of the doldrums, or put me there too if I’m not careful.

Studies have shown that, even when there is only a tiny sliver of cognition left, the area of the brain that stores our musical memories remains fresh and we can tap into that to help with soothing an agitated dementia sufferer.

It’s an inexpensive enough try anyway. There’s loads of free music out there, from YouTube to Spotify and lots of other programs in-between, so it’s certainly worth trying to tap into that, to see if it can help with your caring, and to bring a little bit of tranquility to those we care for.

Finding the right music’s important, of course. For instance my sister’s husband has unexpectedly reacted well to Simply Red and will listen to their music even though he has lost nearly all interest in TV now.

In my internet searches I came across a website that is dedicated to providing music for dementia sufferers. It’s called musicandmemory.org.uk and is a UK charity that works with care homes to, among other things, help provide personalised music, by providing MP3 players with particular playlists added for individual listeners.

To that end you can even donate some types of working, but no longer used, ipods for this project. But, if you do own one that’s now a bit redundant, you might be able to create playlists for someone you care for personally, in or out of a care home.

I found it all very interesting anyway, and the website is well worth a look.

Best wishes.

[sassy59]

Thank you for your very thoughtful post Callendersgal. I personally love all kinds of music and it often gets me through difficult times.

I can certainly understand how music would help dementia sufferers and their carers.

If music be the food of life.......let the feast begin! Lol. Xxxx

[Hidden in reply to sassy59]

Lol, I so agree sassy59. Sometimes when I'm listening to a piece of music from the past, my mind just takes me right back to the moment, whether I want to go there or not! But I usually do want to go there, even if it evokes a few tears. x

[bazooka111]

I loved reading your post, thank you for sharing! I just recently started playing spa music during afternoon naps for my sweet Momma... I believe it really helps her feel

Calm and relaxed.

[Hidden in reply to bazooka111]

Hi bazooka111, I'm so glad you liked the post, but also that music is helping your dearest Momma! Very best wishes.

[Lynd]

I am stuck in the seventies and I love Abba music. Always cheers me up.

We have a tradition at Christmas and always play Classic FM for their none stop festive music. We particularly like John Rutter.

My husband loves Irish 🎶 music.

[Hidden]

Hi Lynd,

I too love Abba, and can't fault your husband's liking of Irish music. That's my heritage so it's in my bones. Like John Rutter too, and especially his 'The Lord Bless you and Keep you'. It brings instant peace to me. xx

[Jacki66]

What a lovely post. I always admire what you say and this is really special. When my Gran passed away on 23 December 2019 with aspiration pneumonia (she also had dementia), I was playing her soft music in the hospital from my phone. It was "The Holly and the Ivy" and she was mouthing the words (the day before she died). She loved it. I also played her a hymn which I know she liked and it made her relax and sleep. I truly believe in what you are saying, particularly as I work as a Registered Adult Nurse part time in a nursing home. I can personally vouch for the elderly absolutely loving music and it makes them feel relaxed and happy even if they don't know the words and only know the tunes. Super post. Thank you.

[Hidden]

Thanks for those kind words Jacki66 and it's so pleasing to know that your mum had such a calm and peaceful end to her life, thanks to you and some of her favourite music. x