Dementia Prevalence
The global count of dementia cases stands at approximately 55 million, with an annual increase of 10 million new cases. Alzheimer's disease represents 60-70% of these cases. Forecasts suggest that, driven by aging populations, especially in low- and middle-income countries, the number of people living with dementia is expected to climb to 82 million by 2030 and soar to 152 million by 2050.
Alzheimer's disease has been known to begin decades before the presentation of clinical symptoms, and thus the use and application of brain sparring activities can mitigate and even decrease the likelihood of developing dementia.
The Power of Music
Music has been a foundational aspect of human culture across all societies, serving as a universal language of emotion, social bonding, prosocial behavior, and deep and meaningful expression. It reflects and shapes cultural identities, facilitating communication and cohesion within and across communities. Throughout history, music has played pivotal roles in rituals, storytelling, caregiving, and the transmission of cultural traditions.
Music has the power to stimulate the whole brain, enhancing cognitive functions, induce changes in physiological and emotional arousal, enhancing resilience and well-being, and stimulating neuroplasticity and aiding social bonding.
Research suggests that listening to music can improve mood, improve symptoms of anxiety and depression, alleviate stress, lower blood pressure and pain, improve sleep quality, mental alertness, and aid in memory recall, yet there is still a lack of understanding around music's causal link to brain plasticity.
Music Therapy
The use of music therapy has been applied for many decades to support emotional health, enhance cognitive abilities, and facilitate social connections, proving its efficacy in a wide range of therapeutic contexts including mental health treatment, developmental disorders, and rehabilitation.
Music Therapy for Neurodegenerative Disease
Music therapy has also been used to aid in the treatment of various neurological disorders, like Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Music therapy has also shown promise as a non-invasive, safe, and easy-to-implement non-pharmacological intervention for neurodegenerative diseases, with potential implications for enhancing longevity and improving the quality of life for individuals suffering from these conditions.
Music therapy can reduce behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, like agitation, angst, and improve quality of life, yet more research needs to be conducted. Music can elicit music-evoked autobiographical memories allowing for individuals to unlock their memories, especially when listening to music from their youth.
Active and receptive methods of music therapy, like music making, singing, or music listening, all can improve neuropsychological and cognitive status, all while having positive effects on next-of-kin and caregivers.
The implications of this research extend beyond the therapeutic benefits for individuals already experiencing cognitive decline. The findings suggest that regular musical engagement may serve as a preventive measure, potentially delaying the onset of symptoms associated with neurodegenerative diseases or slowing their progression.
By encouraging the maintenance of neural connections and fostering the development of new pathways, music therapy represents a holistic approach to brain health, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and cognitive stimulation.