August 2026 Music Education

August Topic of the Month:

The Power of Music in Brain Health and Dementia

(A Botes Memory Method Educational Handout)

Providing Hope on the Dementia Journey

Music: One of the Last Memories to Fade

Music has a remarkable ability to connect with the brain, even in the later stages of dementia. While diseases such as Alzheimer's disease damage memory networks, the brain regions involved in musical memory and emotional processing often remain relatively preserved until later in the disease process. We call this “emotional memory” or the Amygdala “Superpower”!

A familiar song can awaken memories, reduce anxiety, improve mood, encourage communication, and strengthen meaningful connections between a person living with dementia and those who care for them.

Although music is not a cure for dementia, decades of research demonstrate that individualized music is a powerful, evidence-based, non-pharmacological intervention that improves quality of life.

Why Does Music Work?

Music activates multiple brain regions simultaneously, including those responsible for:

Memory retrieval

Emotion

Attention

Language

Motor planning

Movement

Social connection

Unlike many other cognitive activities, music stimulates widespread neural networks throughout both hemispheres of the brain.

Researchers using functional MRI have shown that familiar music activates brain areas that often remain relatively preserved even as dementia progresses.

Benefits of Music for Individuals Living with Dementia

Research consistently demonstrates that personalized music can help:

Improve Mood

Listening to favorite music can:

Reduce depression

Increase positive emotions

Promote relaxation

Create feelings of comfort and familiarity

Reduce Anxiety and Agitation

Individualized music has been shown to decrease:

Restlessness

Irritability

Anxiety

Agitation

Behavioral symptoms

Many long-term care communities now use personalized music before considering medications for behavioral symptoms whenever appropriate.

Improve Communication

Music often becomes a bridge when spoken language becomes difficult.

Individuals who struggle to:

Find words

Complete sentences

Carry conversations

may still:

Sing lyrics

Hum melodies

Smile

Dance

Connect emotionally

Music provides another pathway for communication.

Stimulate Memory

A familiar song can trigger:

Childhood memories

Wedding memories

Military service memories

Spiritual experiences

Family traditions

Cultural identity

Even individuals who no longer recognize loved ones may remember every word to songs learned decades earlier.

Encourage Movement

Music naturally promotes:

Walking and transfers

Dancing

Clapping

Chair exercises

Rhythm exercises

Improved participation during therapy

Occupational therapists and physical therapists frequently use rhythmic music to improve movement and participation.

Increase Social Engagement

Group singing and music programs help individuals:

Participate in conversations

Smile more frequently

Engage with others

Reduce social isolation

Experience greater enjoyment

Music Throughout the Stages of Dementia

Lily and Daisy Journey

Music can help support:

Memory recall

Stress reduction

Emotional well-being

Physical exercise

Cognitive engagement

Violet and Rose Journey

Music may:

Reduce agitation

Improve communication

Encourage participation

Increase meaningful activity

Promote cooperation during daily care

Bouquet Journey

Even when verbal communication becomes limited, music may still:

Provide comfort

Reduce distress

Encourage eye contact

Promote smiling

Facilitate handholding

Improve emotional connection

For many families, music becomes one of the last meaningful ways to communicate.

Choosing the Right Music

Research consistently shows that personalized music is far more effective than simply playing relaxing or classical music.

The best music is:

Personally meaningful

Familiar

Associated with positive memories

Connected to the person's culture

Connected to their faith traditions

Music enjoyed between approximately ages 10 and 30, when musical memories are often most enduring

The Botes Memory Method "Music Bouquet"

Help families create a personalized playlist by asking:

What songs were played at your wedding?

What music did you enjoy as a teenager?

What church hymns are meaningful?

What songs remind you of family celebrations?

What artist always makes you smile?

What music helps you relax?

Keep these favorite songs easily accessible on a phone, tablet, or music player for use during daily routines.

Practical Ways to Use Music

Music can be incorporated throughout the day to support function and emotional well-being.

Morning Routine

Play familiar, upbeat music while getting dressed or preparing for the day.

Bathing

Use calming favorite music to reduce anxiety before and during bathing.

Meals

Soft background music can create a more relaxed dining environment.

Exercise

Use rhythmic music to encourage movement and participation.

Evening

Gentle, familiar music may help create a calm bedtime routine.

Safety Tips

Keep the volume comfortable.

Avoid overwhelming or overstimulating music.

Observe emotional responses.

If a particular song causes sadness or distress, choose another favorite.

Remember that music preferences are highly individual.

What Does Research Say?

High-quality research demonstrates that music interventions can:

✓ Reduce depressive symptoms

✓ Improve emotional well-being

✓ Reduce agitation

✓ Improve behavioral symptoms

✓ Increase engagement

✓ Improve quality of life

Evidence for improving memory and cognition is more variable. Current research suggests that music is most effective for improving emotional health, behavior, communication, and social engagement rather than slowing disease progression.

Music should be viewed as an important component of person-centered dementia care alongside physical activity, cognitive stimulation, social engagement, quality sleep, and medical management.

Key Takeaways

✔ Music activates widespread brain networks involved in memory, emotion, movement, and language.

✔ Personalized music is significantly more effective than generic background music.

✔ Music can reduce anxiety, agitation, and depression while increasing engagement and quality of life.

✔ Music often remains meaningful even in advanced dementia.

✔ Every individual deserves a personalized music playlist that reflects their unique life story.

References

Alzheimer's Association. (2025). 2025 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures. Alzheimer's & Dementia, 21(5). https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.70074

Gómez-Romero, M., et al. (2024). Music interventions for people living with dementia: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Ageing Research Reviews, 95, 102245.

Livingston, G., Huntley, J., Liu, K. Y., et al. (2024). Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 update of the Lancet Commission. The Lancet.

McDermott, O., Orrell, M., & Ridder, H. M. (2025). Music therapy and music-based interventions for dementia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 1. CD003477. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003477.pub5

Särkämö, T., et al. (2014). Cognitive, emotional and social benefits of regular musical activities in dementia care. The Gerontologist, 54(4), 634–650. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnt100

Botes Memory Method®
Providing Hope on the Dementia Journey

This educational material is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace individualized medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.