Research
Music Based Therapies
Music is a part of our lives, whether we realize it or not, from radios to shopping, movies, meaningful moments, and spending time with family and friends. Music encompasses the “sights and sounds” of its generation: hopes, desires, fears, and challenges.
The connection between memory and music has long been noted although in-depth research in this field is new. Neurologists are beginning to study music's ability to cue and prime memory pathways in the brain. These studies are especially interesting in terms of memory loss diseases. In memory loss diseases, the working memory is often first affected. However, emotional memories and their connecting pathways remain intact, just needing a prompt for retrieval. Music is one such prompt. In numerous studies within the last few years, researchers found that memory recall was more vivid following music episodes, especially when the music emotionally engaged the listener.
Music provides anchor points for adults experiencing memory loss, providing familiarity in a world that has become unfamiliar. The goal of the Memcara's music therapy-based programming is to not only find these anchor points, but to actually anchor to them: to stop, to verify, and to activate conversation.
Movement Based
Therapies
There are many benefits of exercise and physical activity for older adults that help improve daily life. This can include increased cognitive function, decreased risk of depression, increased quality of life, and reduced risk of fall-related injuries. Researchers have also found that increased physical activity levels are a potential preventative measure for dementia-related diseases. In the Alzheimer's Association 2021 Report, it was noted that heart health and brain health appear to be connected. The report went further to say that both aerobic and non-aerobic exercise have positive effects on cognitive function in those suffering from memory-related dementias, possibly slowing the rate of cognitive decline.
Memory Based
Therapies
Mentally engaging activities and daily brain games have benefits that can last a few months and can potentially build a mental reserve. Daily participation and success in brain stimulation tasks encourages a feeling of empowerment, helping direct attention to strengths.
Research:
Music, Imagery, Communication, Cognition
Baird, A., Brancatisano, O., Gelding, R., & Thompson, W. F. (2018). Characterization of Music and Photograph Evoked Autobiographical Memories in People with Alzheimer's Disease. Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD, 66(2), 693–706.
Bleibel, M., El Cheikh, A., Sadier, N.S. et al (2023). The effect of music therapy on cognitive functions in patients with Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Alz Res Therapy 15, 65.
Cuddy L, Duffin J. (2005) Music, memory, and Alzheimer's disease: is music recognition spared in dementia, and how can it be assessed?. Med Hypotheses;64(2):229-235.
Gillard, J.,et al. (2023). Script-driven imagery of socially salient autobiographical memories in major depressive disorder. Sci Rep 13, 14577.
Heersmink, R.(2022).Preserving Narrative Identity for Dementia Patients: Embodiment, Active Environments, and Distributed Memory. Neuroethics 15, 8.
Hussey EP, Smolinsky JG, Piryatinsky I, Budson AE, Ally BA. (2012) Using mental imagery to improve memory in patients with Alzheimer disease: trouble generating or remembering the mind's eye?. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord. 2012;26(2):124-134.
Li, B.. (2022). Navigating Through the Narrative Montages: Including Voices of Older Adults With Dementia Through Collaborative Narrative Inquiry. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 2022; 21.
Lima, Tatiane, et al.(2014) Alzheimer’s disease: cognition and picture-based narrative discourse.Rev. CEFAC, 2014: 16 (4) • Jul-Aug.
Ma J, Wang Q, Lang Y, Lv S, Xu Y, Wei B. Effectiveness of creative story therapy for dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Med Res. 2023;28(1):342. Published 2023 Sep 14.
Mashour GA, Frank L, Batthyany A, et al. Paradoxical lucidity: A potential paradigm shift for the neurobiology and treatment of severe dementias. Alzheimer Dement. 2019;15(8):1107-1114. doi:10.1016/j.jalz.2019.04.002
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Tatzer, V. C. (2019). Narratives-in-action of people with moderate to severe dementia in long-term care: Understanding the link between occupation and identity. Journal of Occupational Science, 2019; 26(2), 245–257.
Taut, Michael H. PhD; et al. (2020). Neural Basis of Long-term Musical Memory in Cognitively Impaired Older Persons. Alzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders, 2020: 34(3):p 267-271, July-September.
Tomanino, Concetta (2023). Music Has Power in Senior Wellness and Healthcare. Jessica Kingslery Publishers.
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Wang X, Li J, Liang T, et al. Promoting Personalized Reminiscence Among Cognitively Intact Older Adults Through an AI-Driven Interactive Multimodal Photo Album: Development and Usability Study. JMIR Aging. 2024;7:e49415. Published 2024 Jan 23.