MUSIC THERAPY FOR DEMENTIA
This video was recorded in 2019.
It's beautiful how music can evoke memories and emotions, especially songs with deep personal significance like "月亮代表我的心" by Teresa Teng. Music has a unique ability to transport us back in time, often reminding us of special moments, loved ones, or significant life events.
I wondered what went on in mommy's brain on THAT DAY when I played this song. Perhaps it was a song she heard when she was dating my dad? ;-)
For caregivers, using familiar songs can indeed be an effective strategy to connect with loved ones, especially those experiencing cognitive decline. Songs from their youth may spark joyful reminiscences and encourage social interaction.
Here are a few tips for using music therapeutically:
1. Create Personalized Playlists: Gather songs that are meaningful to your loved one, including their favorites from different periods of their lives.
2. Observe Reactions: Pay attention to how they react to different songs. Some may bring smiles, while others could evoke nostalgia or even sadness.
3. Engage Them: Encourage persons living with dementia to share stories or memories associated with the songs as they listen.
4. Incorporate Movement: If they're able, encourage gentle movement or dancing to the music, which can enhance the experience.
5. Discovering where a song takes someone can be a meaningful exploration of their past and a wonderful way to bond.
#teresateng was a Taiwanese singer, actress, musician and philanthropist. Referred to by some as the "Eternal Queen of Asian Pop", she is considered as one of the most successful and influential Asian popular singers of all time.[1] Teng is recognized as a cultural icon for her contributions to Chinese pop, giving birth to the phrase, "Wherever there are Chinese-speaking people, there is the music of Teresa Teng." A polyglot, Teng's crystalline voice and emotionally resonant songs, have transcended geographical, linguistic, and political boundaries, captivating audiences across Asia for several decades