With music therapy to combat dementia disorders?

Music has far-reaching positive effects in dementia

What effect does music have on dementia? This question has been investigated by British scientists from the International Longevity Center - UK and the Utley Foundation and has now presented first results. In particular, the use of music in the prevention, treatment and care of people with dementia was the focus. According to the scientists, music has many positive effects in dementia patients.

The interdisciplinary research team, led by Professor Alistair Burns, National Clinical Director of Dementia, NHS England, has examined how music-based activities can change the lives of people with dementia. The report with the first research results presented now clearly shows that music in dementia patients - regardless of their gender, their ethnic origin or their social background - can improve communication and reduce fears, inner turmoil and depression, "according to the Utley Foundation.

Dementia remains incurable so far

Millions of people are suffering from dementia and in the coming decades the number of illnesses in both the United Kingdom and Germany will rise dramatically. The affected persons show an increasing loss of their cognitive abilities and are thereby massively impaired in their everyday lives - up to complete need of care. So far, dementia can not be cured, but early diagnosis may delay the course of the disease.

Too little access to music therapy

"Despite growing evidence of the value of music for people with dementia, not enough is being done to improve access to appropriate music-based activities," says ILC UK executive director Sally Greengross. Based on the specific music therapy, the current availability in the UK is only about 30 seconds per week per person with dementia. Only very few people benefit "from this valuable intervention," continued Greengross.

Use therapeutic options

The current report uses a large number of individual reports to explain "what we currently know about the effects of music on dementia," explain Greengross and colleagues. Sally Bowell of the ILC-UK also emphasizes ways in which our aging society can benefit from this underutilized therapeutic option, the experts say ... "Music should not just be considered a nice-to-have".

Evidence-based benefits of music

According to the researchers, music has "tangible, evidence-based benefits for people with dementia, such as the minimization of behavioral and psychological symptoms, the fight against depression and anxiety, and, more importantly, the improvement in quality of life." According to the experts, dementia often lives in a silent world. Music could literally bring her back to life here. "We want to raise awareness of the important benefits of music and help organizations and individuals alike to promote access to music for people with dementia," the researchers emphasize. (Fp)