“Music seems to reach parts of the damaged brain in ways that other forms of communication cannot”
– by Tommy Dunne
“I had an interesting chat on Twitter last night about music and singing and dementia care. My thoughts on the subject were: music seems to reach parts of the damaged brain in ways that other forms of communication cannot.
To be able to live well in old age people need to be able to access social opportunities and pursuits that engage body and mind. Music can help reduce isolation, promote active engagement, communication, and creativity. It also helps to provide an opportunity for families to share experiences and relationships with our loved ones.
It’s an old fact that music is helping doctors and carers reach those who have become stranded by debilitating conditions. Music is evocative to us and can reach down into our memory. People with dementia who normally struggle to find the right words can sing a song because the deep memory is triggered. It’s like starting a tape from within our brain.”
