Singalongs tend to attract groups, and for those with a memory disorder, this is an opportunity to engage with others while sharing an interest. Socializing is important in the treatment and prevention of memory disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. A study shows that social engagements can stimulate:
Changes in mood are a common symptom of memory diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia, and they can lead to apathy, depression and anxiety. Singalongs offer seniors an opportunity to engage in a group activity, regardless of their skill, experience or ability level.
Singing also releases dopamine, the brain's feel-good hormone that gives us pleasure and acts as a powerful motivator. Dopamine also helps us sleep better, improves memory and increases activity. Another hormone that's released by singing is oxytocin, also known as the love hormone. When oxytocin is released, you feel a sense of camaraderie, love and euphoria, which leads to an improved mood.
Studies show that lyrics sung in songs stay longer in the memory than the spoken word. They stimulate oscillatory synchrony, the rhythmic patterns of electrical activity in the brain. These patterns are important for attentional processing, or how the brain processes information when responding to stimulation. For those with a memory disorder, singing can stimulate the parts of the brain responsible for memory recall.
Children's songs tend to evoke a strong emotional response as seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia delve into their long-term memories. The recall of lost memories offers a chance for residents to reminisce, which improves their mood and reduces episodes of anxiety and confusion.
Trouble communicating is one of the factors that can lead to confusion and anxiety. During the beginning phases of diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia, seniors gradually forget their words. As the disease progresses, the speech part of the brain loses the ability to communicate effectively. Music and singing offer seniors the ability to express their feelings and communicate better, which helps reduce agitation and improves their relationships with caregivers.
Music intervention is known to significantly reduce anxiety symptoms for those with dementia. With music, seniors can regulate their emotions and reduce their stress levels. Music also serves as an effective distraction from wandering thoughts and concerns, allowing the participant to be more present.
Whether you're able to control your vibrato and hit those high notes or you simply choose to sing in the shower to an audience of one, singing is a great way to reduce your heart rate, which is a boost to cardiovascular health. You can also improve your lung function thanks to the breathing techniques in singing, and it can reduce pain and improve muscle tension as well.
Additionally, the release of oxytocin when singing has a positive effect on your overall health. It reduces your heart rate and cortisol levels, which are both related to stress. Excessive levels of cortisol over a prolonged period of time can lead to cardiovascular issues.
When seniors start experiencing cognitive decline, the stress of memory loss can have a negative effect on their well-being. Singing is one of the methods used in therapy to counter these effects. Singing for the Brain is a method that takes elements of music and reminiscence therapy and combines them. There are often several positives outcomes from the therapy:
Singing leads to a rhythm response that can be anything from tapping a foot to the beat to swaying to the melodies. Singing and dancing have been methods of entertainment for centuries, and it's natural for the brain to pair up movement with singing.
There are several reasons singing and music for movement or mobility are effective motivators. The rhythm alone encourages movement for you as an individual as well as on a group level. The movements also bring your attention to the music as an activity that accompanies the song. You're more likely to participate due to the positive effects music has. Accessibility isn't a problem either, as you don't have to participate in a group setting. Simply download the music to your personal digital device and have a one-person singalong.
