How Music Can Make Living with Dementia A Bit Easier

Music has a powerful way of affecting us, making us move our feet or even inspiring us to change the world. But did you know that when you're really into a piece of music, your brain experiences something called Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR)? It's like a tingling sensation in your brain or scalp, often described as a "head orgasm."

Recent studies, like the one published in The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease, reveal that the part of your brain responsible for ASMR is quite special. And here's some good news – it doesn't get lost to Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s can make people feel confused, but music has a unique ability to sometimes lift them out of that haze, bringing them back to a semblance of normality, even if just for a little while.

Though not a cure, music's impact on Alzheimer’s has been observed, and the study suggests it could make the symptoms more manageable, decrease the cost of care, and improve a patient’s quality of life. Those that listen to songs, specifically ones from youth, experiences a significant shift in their dementia.

Our trainers at RenewMe Fitness not only specialize in Alzheimer’s but also use music to engage with our clients. One way we utilize the power of music is by playing classic hits from our client’s favorite decade during the warm-up. This gets our favorite Dementia clients mentally stimulated and excited for what’s to come next!

Jeff Anderson, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor in Radiology at the University of Utah Health, and a contributing author to the study, emphasizes that while playing music may not be a cure for Alzheimer’s, it could certainly make a positive difference in managing the symptoms and enhancing the overall well-being of patients.