Music and Activities for Dementia Patients

Whether you’ve been diagnosed or have a family member in the middle-to-last stages of dementia, this article is created to help you know the best treatment for dementia patients.

Some Dementia Warning Signs

1. Confusion with time and place
2. Short Term Memory Loss
3. Changes in Mood or Behavior
4. New Problems with Writing or Speaking
5. Withdrawal from Social Activities
6. Difficulty performing day-to-day tasks
7. Problems with Abstract Thinking
8. Trouble Understanding Visual Images and Spatial Relationships
9. Poor or Decreased Judgment
10. Forgetting things and losing the ability to redo steps

The sooner you recognize that dementia is emerging, the earlier you can lessen its effects.

The Stages of Dementia

Stage 1:Normal mental functioning, or no cognitive impairment

No signs or symptoms of the disease, behavioral problems or memory loss are associated with the onset of dementia.

Stage 2: Very Minor Cognitive Decline

No signs or symptoms

Stage 3: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)

Some common signs include:Verbal repetition, difficulties with driving, impaired work performance, Memory loss and forgetfulness.

Stage 4: Moderate Cognitive Decline

You should stay alert for signs of:Trouble with day-to-day tasks, emotional moodiness, social withdrawal, denial of symptoms.

Stage 5: Moderately Severe Cognitive Decline

It refers to as mid-stage dementia. At this point, a sufferer may no longer be able to carry out routine activities such as dressing or bathing.

Stage 6: Severe Cognitive Decline

Symptoms may include: delusions, anxiety,sleep difficulties, incontinence,and inability to recognize loved ones.

Stage 7: Very Severe Stage

This is a very severe cognitive decline stage in which a person loses the ability to speak, walk or smile without help.

Communication Tips and Coping Strategies

Here are some tips on how to effectively communicate with a person who has mild-to-very severe cognitive decline:

1. Have patience
2. Use non-verbal cues
3. Avoid distractions
4. Refer to patients by their names
5. Listen actively
6. Speak clearly and naturally in a polite and calm voice
7. Don’t quibble

Choose Best Music for Dementia Patients

1. Calming and meditation music for agitation management
2. Peaceful music and soft classical music
3. Exciting music: pop songs from their salad days
4. Connecting and comforting music: sing-along classics
5. Mood enhancing music: personally meaningful songs and familiar old favorites

Music Therapy for Nursing Homes/Best activities to connect with a person who is suffering from dementia

1. Look through family photo albums
2. Listen to a playlist of favorite music
3. Visit and connect with animals
4. Revisit old hobbies and skills
5. Sing old songs; and
6. Watch Companion Radio shows