A Son to Set Me Free. Allied Health and Human Services, 1995. Interaction with others is important for people with Alzheimer's. Playing musical instruments in a large group setting works well for this. Patients with memory loss may need to see the instrument demonstrated first.
Music can help patients express emotions and share significant past memories.
This study examined the value of song writing with patients, who ranged from 62 to 84 years and were diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The men and women participated in song writing exercises led by a music therapist. Exercises included writing songs based on images and descriptions of seasons and themes of love and stages of life. Results concluded that, based on the preservation of memory for tunes and melodies, patients were able to write songs when assisted by stimuli and provided with encouragement. This activity provided pleasure and social interaction.