Music And Alzheimer’s: Awakening Emotions

Music and Alzheimer’s have a strange, powerful and interesting relationship. Patients in the advanced state of this disease suddenly experience an amazing awakening when they hear a song about their youth. That rhythm, without knowing why, opens up memories and cognitive abilities, wrapping them in an ocean full of amazing emotions…

Neurologists say that for reasons we don’t know yet, there are areas in our brains that have a connection to long-lasting musical memory, and they are still intact and well-preserved even in old age.  Psychologists, therapists, and relatives of people suffering from this disease, on the other hand, know that music is the best consolation for Alzheimer’s patients.

Many of you may know the name Glen Campbell. He was an icon of country music in the United States through the 60s and 70s. Not much time has passed since his death, and he died in a difficult battle with Alzheimer’s. His story could be anyone’s story. Just like many others who have lived incredible lives, full of success, hardships, and unforgettable memories, he faced this illness that erased or blurred memories in his mind.

Glen Campbell’s case has been one of the most striking cases from a clinical standpoint, due to the fact that  he never stopped singing or playing his guitar. In addition, he regained some of his clarity even to such an extent that he was able to complete several more tours. At certain moments as he spoke to his audience, he recounted how he had managed to get rid of alcohol, but not that disgusting disease, Alzheimer’s.

This is an interesting case. It’s a story that makes us ask ourselves what exactly is behind Alzheimer’s disease and music…

Music and Alzheimer’s, a mystery that is being solved

This has been known for a long time. Scientists have always been aware that there is a unique connection between the two, a retaining wall between music and Alzheimer’s,  where a strange agreement has been reached: progressive brain decline does not affect structures that have to do with long-lasting musical memory. Thanks to new brain imaging techniques, something as interesting as this has recently been discovered.

According to a study conducted at the Max Planck Institute for Cognitive and Human Brain Research in Leipzig, researchers first found areas that are associated with musical memory. It became clear to them, as one might assume, that these areas were almost completely intact.

Research director Dr. Jörn-Henrik Jacobsen said that until recently, it has been believed that musical abilities are located in the temporal lobe. However, diagnostic tests showed something quite different: musical memory is located in the complementary motor cortex. Alzheimer’s and its destructive shadow do not affect this particular part of the brain, this magical corner. There is less loss of nerve cells in this part, nor does it affect the amyloid protein content. So this area is still active, it is still in operation.

There is another interesting aspect to this. As this disease itself progresses through the consumption of our cognitive processes, new connections emerge in the gingival career. It’s as if the brain itself is trying to preserve, almost desperately, part of a person’s essence. It does this by activating areas that have to do with music and our memories.

And this is a place where a trace of our so important spirit, our soul, our personality, is preserved. It’s there, waiting in silence for the music to wake us up for a moment. It is a time where we can return to  (almost)  ourselves.

The benefits of music in Alzheimer’s patients

Music is the primary media in autobiographical recording. There are moments in our life cycle that relate to different songs, melodies, special contexts, the people who created them, and the feelings we experienced.

When an Alzheimer’s patient hears a melody that is important to him, what we can see of them is this:

• Decreased anxiety or distress.
• Decreased restlessness.
• Improved mood. They connect with their environment. The most interesting thing is that it is an emotional connection. It’s like waking up to emotions and pleasure  that a few seconds ago was completely paralyzed.

How can I help my loved ones with Alzheimer’s with music?

At this point, we know that  there is a really direct positive connection between music and Alzheimer’s. It is quite possible that many of our readers have a family member who suffers from this disease and they hope to enjoy the moment of connection with their loved one. In addition, they would definitely like to see a smile on the face of a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s.

Let’s look at the ways we can do this in the best possible way:

• Think about your loved one’s musical preferences. These songs, melodies, ballads or concerts have been a part of his life.
• Choose the most appropriate moment, the moment of the day when he is calm.
• Create a conducive environment without external stimuli, in a peaceful and pleasant space.
• Put the headphones on his ears. Thus, the musical experience is much more meaningful. His concentration is much stronger and the effect of the music lasts longer in the brain.
• Encourage movement, help him follow the rhythm. Clap her hands, let her move her legs, even try to dance with her. This makes the experience even more rewarding.

Lastly, be sure to pay attention to his reactions. It’s possible that some music doesn’t please him, and there’s music that makes him react in a more positive way. It is important to be present with him. And that at that moment we embrace him, feeling how his essence, his authentic essence comes to the surface again…