Music Therapy Benefits Seniors with ⁣Alzheimer’s, Stroke

⁣ ⁣ Updated May 28, ‍2025
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Music can be a powerful ⁤tool for⁣ seniors, especially⁤ those with Alzheimer’s disease or who have suffered a stroke. Key brain ‍areas linked to musical memory are often ⁢relatively⁢ undamaged by Alzheimer’s, according to the Mayo Clinic.

In these​ patients,‌ music can relieve stress and reduce anxiety, depression and agitation. similar benefits are seen in stroke patients, where music therapy helps through mood regulation, improved concentration and changes in the ‍brain to improve function, known as neural reorganization, according to Science Daily. Music can even result in physical benefits including improved arm ⁣function and gait.

For the aging population, music is⁣ a critical but often overlooked tool. As with anyone, ⁢music can ​help recall iconic memories, ⁢and revisiting ​those is incredibly beneficial ‍for brain health.There are also several apps and programs that allow seniors⁤ to test out ⁣a new instrument, such ⁤as playing the‌ piano, for example.

When residents in long-term care facilities are afforded the opportunity to try and‍ learn something new, it not only helps with boredom and isolation challenges, but there are also brain benefits to increasing ‌exposure to⁤ something different.

The incorporation​ of music within a resident’s ‌everyday ⁢activities‌ can vary from one long-term care facility to another. Some facility activity directors are more ​proactive and played music for residents even during the pandemic when musical guests weren’t allowed on-site. Now that the COVID-19 ⁤pandemic has finally subsided within‌ the U.S., many long-term care facilities are bringing back musical performance guests for thier ⁢residents.

Playing music ⁤during othre activities, such as puzzles or manicures,‍ can even have a ‌positive impact on resident happiness, engagement and cognitive health.

To increase⁤ seniors’ exposure to ⁢music, some⁢ organizations, such as Music & memory, help facilitate access to music for seniors in ‌nursing homes. There are also ⁢several ways to volunteer and donate so that seniors,notably those⁣ who are low-income and cannot afford to make purchases of their own,have increased access ‌to‌ music ‌through smartphones,tablets or radios.

What’s next

Organizations such⁣ as Music & Memory continue to seek volunteers and donations to expand​ access to personalized music for seniors in care ⁤facilities.