“Music! Who loves it not? Who has not felt his soul soothed and softened by its sweet influence?” — F.B., Notes of Music, 1848
Coping with the emotional and behavioral changes associated with dementia can be difficult for both the individual who has been diagnosed, and their loved ones. Whether in early, mid, or advanced stages, it is common for those with dementia to experience irritability, agitation, and anxiety. In efforts to find non-pharmacological methods of reducing such symptoms, researchers have turned to the arts. “Music therapy is a safe and effective method for treating agitation and anxiety…” and studies of its effectiveness show, “…a significant reduction in the sum of scores of activity disturbances, aggressiveness and anxiety” (Svansdottir & Snaedal, 2006).
Kensington Park’s new music therapy program, Relieve & Restore: Music to Relieve Anxiety and Agitation, helps residents with dementia gain a greater sense of peace and calm through highly individualized musical selections and experiences. If you would like to learn more about this or other music programs, please contact campus music therapist, Jessie Power, at jpower@kensingtonsl.com.
Svansdottir, H. B., & Snaedal, J. (2006). Music therapy in moderate and severe dementia of Alzheimer’s type: A case-control study. International Psychogeriatrics, 18(4), 613-621.