A Companion at Every Moment of Life
Music is an integral part of our lives; each of us has unique musical preferences, songs that resonate with us and evoke deep emotions. For many, certain melodies or songs bring back memories that are often deeply rooted in our minds.
A Musical Family Journey
I still remember my mother, who played the accordion and harmonica when she was young. These instruments were part of her daily life, but over time, they were stored away and almost forgotten. However, when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, something astonishing happened. Despite years of musical inactivity, it was as if those instruments had never stopped playing. The notes and melodies still seemed to live inside her. Those were magical moments, almost unreal, and a true spectacle to see her revisit the tunes that had marked her past.
I also remember my parents dancing social dances. For their first date, they went to the MOCAMBO in Montreal, a popular dance hall at the time. This passion for dance and music has always been a strong bond in their relationship, and even with age and illness, these musical moments continued to bring joy into their daily lives.
When Alzheimer Becomes "Alzheimour"
For people with Alzheimer's or related diseases, experts have found that musical memory often remains intact, even in the later stages of the illness. This is because the part of the brain linked to emotions, which is strongly connected to music, is one of the last areas to be affected.
When music enters the emotional brain, it captures attention and awakens buried memories. The magic then takes over, turning moments of forgetfulness into instances of connection, tenderness, and reminiscence. Music becomes a bridge between the heart and mind, where words are no longer enough.
Thus, music becomes an ideal way to travel back in time and revive memories. It allows people to reconnect with fragments of their personal history, often accompanied by smiles and positive emotions.
The Positive Effects of Music on People with Alzheimer’s Disease
Studies have shown that music can have numerous beneficial effects on people with Alzheimer’s, even when verbal communication becomes difficult. Here are some of these benefits:
1. Reduction of Anxiety and Stress: Music has a calming effect that can help reduce anxiety, agitation, and aggressive behaviors often associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
2. Stimulation of Memories: Familiar songs or those associated with significant life moments can rekindle memories and reconnect patients with their past.
3. Improvement of Mood: Listening to music can generate positive emotions and improve mood, contributing to a better quality of life.
4. Facilitation of Communication: Even when speech is limited, patients can respond to music through gestures, facial expressions, or even singing, creating a new form of communication.
5. Improvement of Cognitive Functions: Music stimulates different areas of the brain, which can enhance attention, concentration, and sometimes temporary clarity in patients.
6. Strengthening Social Bonds: Sharing musical activities with family, friends, or caregivers can foster positive interactions and reduce feelings of isolation.
7. Support for Motor Skills: Dancing or moving to the rhythm of music encourages light physical activity, stimulating motor skills and coordination.
8. Regulation of Sleep: Relaxing music can help improve sleep quality and regulate sleep-wake cycles in people with Alzheimer’s.
A Powerful Emotional Language
The deep connection many of us have with music continues to interest researchers, who explore its many therapeutic benefits. Music has the power to release emotions and evoke memories, to provide comfort during hospital stays, improve exercise and walking routines, and contribute to overall well-being.
Present in all cultures, music touches every soul. Even though our tastes may differ, everyone has a melody or rhythm that resonates with their emotions and makes them feel alive.
Where Words Fall Short
As Richard Wagner so aptly said, *Music begins where the power of words ends.* Music has an extraordinary ability to transcend words and reach emotions that language alone cannot express. For seniors and those with neurodegenerative diseases, it becomes a true therapy, a bridge to memories and emotions that seemed lost.
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