It’s very real that music is a tool for happiness.
Music is scientifically considered an effective way to boost happiness.
This is true for people in general, whether or not they have issues with their memories.
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It’s understandable that people with Alzheimer’s disease experience depression, as the disease can be very isolating.
Additionally, they experience anxiety.
This makes sense, considering that not remembering details about your life would be anxiety-inducing for anyone.
Music works to relieve both depression and anxiety to varying degrees depending on the individual.
That’s because our brains store music memories in an area that isn’t as impacted by memory loss.
Studies have found that memories related to music are spared, unlike other memories from a person’s life.
Alzheimer’s doesn’t tend to take your musical memories.
Those are left somewhat intact.
If someone you know has Alzheimer’s disease, here are some ways you’re able to help.
If you’re unsure where to begin, their website is a great place to start.
These tips may help you move more easily through the process.
You or your family may also benefit from an Alzheimer’s support group.
Alzheimer’s Association.2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures.Alzheimers Disease and Dementia.
2024;20(5).
Ferguson YL, Sheldon KM.Trying to be happier really can work: Two experimental studies.The Journal of Positive Psychology.
2013 Jan 1;8(1):2333.
Altenmuller E, Schlaug G.Apollos gift: New aspects of neurologic music therapy.Prog Brain Res.
2005;64(2):229235. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2004.09.005
