The Power of Music: Improving Alzheimer’s Care Through Personalized Playlists

Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias can significantly impair memory, cognition, behavior, and overall quality of life. At The Bridges, our assisted living communities aim to provide cutting-edge care that optimizes the well-being of our residents at every stage. An important part of our approach is creating both communal music activities and customized personal music programs tailored to each person’s preferences and memories.

Research shows that music can provide transformative benefits for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia. But not just any music will do. The key is to tap into music that resonates deeply with the community & to develop customized playlists that feature songs rich with personal meaning and from the individual’s life experiences.

Familiar music enhances mood, reduces anxiety, stimulates cognitive function, improves behavior, and strengthens social connections. It activates parts of the brain related to memory, emotions, movement, and other functions that are relatively preserved in Alzheimer’s. Music helps tap into long-term memories and provides a source of joyful stimulation.

Tailoring Playlists to Each Resident

At The Bridges, we take great care to identify music selections that will resonate most with each resident. We speak with family and friends to learn their loved one’s musical tastes, significant songs, and meaningful artists. We also directly observe individuals’ reactions to sample music selections to see what engages them positively.

Over time, we develop specialized playlists featuring:

• Songs from the resident’s young adulthood and early life experiences
• Soothing classical compositions
• Familiar songs like “You Are My Sunshine” and “Over the Rainbow”
• Upbeat favorites like “Singing in the Rain” and “Stand By Me”
• Rhythmic dance music they can move to
• Relevant religious hymns

The playlists become another way we get to know our residents as unique individuals.

Integrating Music into Alzheimer’s Care

At The Bridges, music therapy is seamlessly woven into our assisted living programming. Each week we watch concerts of artists chosen by residents, such as Frank Sinatra, etc. We love to sing along to our favorite tunes together and play simple instruments when the occasion calls for it. At The Bridges, music has become a strong social connector through which memories and experiences are shared between both residents and staff.

Residents can also listen to their personalized playlists using provided headphones and music players.

We also like to highlight the power of music to help with setting the mood, whether it be a dance party with familiar songs that get residents moving together in joyful celebration or soothing playlists that help to relax and prepare residents for rest. Music becomes a therapeutic medium that enhances functioning, cooperation, and relationships.

Enhancing Wellbeing Holistically

While music can have significant benefits on its own, we integrate it as one aspect of our comprehensive care. Personalized music complements our emphasis on group music-making and community building, meaningful activities, human connection, nutrition, exercise, nature encounters, and more. Our goal is always to support the highest possible quality of life and well-being of our residents.

At The Bridges, we are constantly evolving our methods to provide the best possible care for residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Group music activities & personalized music playlists have proven to be simple yet powerful therapies. We’ve seen music brighten days, spark memories, reduce distress, and improve the care experience for all involved. It’s just one more way we strive to treat each individual with dignity, compassion, and respect and foster a sense of community at our facilities.

To learn more about our Alzheimer’s care programs, contact The Bridges today.