A Caregiver's Journal provides information, insight, enlightenment and shared experiences for new caregivers and encouragement for long time caregivers. The focus of this blog is our transition from empty nesters to caregivers for my god-sister, Gladys, a stroke survivor. RSS Subscribe to RSS

The Soothing Effects of Music on Dementia Patients

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As I write this post my god-sister, Gladys, is listening to a CD – The Best of Nat King Cole.  She is sitting in her lounge chair just as satisfied as she can be.  I am amazed to hear her sing along.  She is smiling, she is happy and she is content.

In contrast, just yesterday, Gladys was extremely agitated.  She was crying, her eyes were tightly closed, her teeth were chattering and her hand was closed into a tight fist.  We didn’t know what was wrong with her and she couldn’t explain why she was agitated.

I bought the CD on eBay for $1.50.  Shortly after it arrived, I asked Fred to play it for Gladys.  Had I known the effect it would have on her, I would have done so sooner.  When I finish this post, I’m going to call my mother and ask what other music I should buy. :D


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Posted on : Jul 26 2010
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Posted under Caregiving, Dementia, Elder care |

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Jul 28, 2010 - 10:07:32
LaTascia Taylor said:

Music really does feed your soul. From infants to the elderly it brings much joy. Just from experience it seems as if Gladys was having a flash back from child hood. They often think of times that scared them or caused them pain. Sometimes they will make comments about it and you can figure out what the incident was. Try Donnie Hathaway and Lena Horn, since they both had soft sounds.

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