Slower and moderate tempos are preferable. Live and recorded accompaniments are preferred over synthesized music. Aronson, Miriam K. Understanding Alzheimer's Disease. The Alzheimer's process affects specific nerve cells, the basal cholinergic projection system. This system holds an enzyme which enables cells to form acetycholine, a chemical that is used to transmit signals to other cells.
Evidence also shows that AD is linked with destruction of the neural system.
Refer to Dr. Dale Taylor's book, Biomedical Foundations of Music as Therapy, for an explanation of the connection between music and physiological changes. Supplemental Treatment Techniques for the Patient with Dementia. This article states that music is an important environmental variable for patients with dementia. Music provides stimulation on the primitive and emotional levels of even the most impaired patient. It can be used for senile dementia.