Music and song improve the lives of people with dementia

Music and song improve the lives of people with dementia

In Denmark, up to 90,000 people suffer from dementia and more than 400,000 people deal with dementia up close as relatives. There is currently no cure, which means other interventions are needed in the treatment of people with dementia. In this context, research at Aalborg University has shown that music and singing can prevent difficult care situations and contribute to increased quality of life and dignity in people with dementia. A partnership between Aalborg University and four care centres in Denmark has thus led to the development of an online manual that guides caregivers in the use of music and song in dementia care.

Music and song improve the lives of people with dementia

In Denmark, up to 90,000 people suffer from dementia and more than 400,000 people deal with dementia up close as relatives. There is currently no cure, which means other interventions are needed in the treatment of people with dementia. In this context, research at Aalborg University has shown that music and singing can prevent difficult care situations and contribute to increased quality of life and dignity in people with dementia. A partnership between Aalborg University and four care centres in Denmark has thus led to the development of an online manual that guides caregivers in the use of music and song in dementia care.

- There is a strong need to find other types of interventions that can help people with dementia have a tolerable and dignified life, despite the inevitable development of the disease. With music and singing, we can prevent difficult situations. The challenge in dementia care is that people with dementia may feel insecure if you just come in with a very busy demeanour. It is therefore very important that the initial contact be positive. With a good start, we avoid the person becoming discontent and not wanting to be involved in what’s going on, says Aase Marie Ottesen.

The development of the free manual is funded by VELUX FONDEN. (in Danish)

Read more about the current project on music and song targeted to people with dementia (in Danish)

Contact

Aase Marie Ottesen, Research Assistant, Department of Communication and Psychology