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The power of music has impacted cultures around the world in a multitude of ways, and additional wellness benefits continue to emerge. When applied to elderly care, music can benefit patients with dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases, garnering unparalleled results in the process. Simply put, music has the power to stimulate brain activity in areas dementia can’t affect. The results are astounding, often leading to increased cognition and recall.

elderly careThe all-encompassing term “dementia” incorporates symptoms of memory and thinking disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Mostly progressive, dementia is caused by nerve damage in the brain, and while medication can help, there is no cure. Cognitive decline leads to severe memory loss, leaving most patients unable to socialize, care for themselves, or remember the details of their own lives. However, the nostalgic powers of music are proving to increase recall and other brain functions typically lost in dementia, leading to enhanced well-being and hope for a future cure.

By stimulating gray matter in areas of the brain dementia doesn’t damage, memories attached to music are unlocked when patients hear familiar songs. Music is often connected to long-term memories, as hearing is the first sense to fully develop when humans are born. Luckily, those memories can be revived when patients with dementia hear or sing songs that are important to them. Music also taps into specific emotions, affecting mood and generating thoughts. This comfortable, yet immense amount of brain function exercises the brain and can lead to increased communication and short-term memory skills.

If your loved one is suffering from dementia or requires elderly care, turn to the professionals at Mille Lacs Health System, which uses music as an ongoing tool to help their senior residents enjoy life and remember good times. Mille Lacs Health System has Long-Term Care Facility, a specialized unit for Short-Term Geriatric Psychiatric treatment, a Memory Care Unit, and attached to the Onamia campus is Lake Song Assisted Living. If you think your loved one needs to be evaluated for cognitive impairment, call (320) 532-3154 today to schedule an appointment. Visit their website to learn more about their elderly care services.

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