If your mother, father, or someone very close to you is suffering from Alzheimer's Disease, I understand how challenging it can be. As their memory gradually fades day by day, it can be very difficult to talk to them and keep them happy. Although there is no cure for this disease, there are many things we can do to bring a little comfort and joy to their lives. In addition to medication, there are very simple and beautiful ways to bring comfort to their hearts, such as drawing and listening to music. Let's see how that works.
Before using these non-medical treatments, it's important to talk to your doctor . He or she will be able to advise you on what is best for your loved one's condition.
Music Therapy
A song is a wonderful thing. It can take us back in time, calm the mind, and help a lonely heart blossom. That's why music therapy is so beneficial for Alzheimer's patients. Music can do things that words can't.
Imagine the joy you feel when your mother plays you a song by HR Jothipala, a song she used to love, and he smiles along with it... Maybe that song will bring back an old memory for him. This is the power of music.
| The benefits of music | What happens to it? |
|---|---|
| Calming the mind | Sometimes Alzheimer's patients can be very restless and agitated. When you listen to calming music, that feeling decreases and you feel relieved. |
| Awakening memories | Especially when listening to songs from their youth, old memories that have been lost can come back to haunt them. |
| Brain activation | Even when the disease becomes severe, music can stimulate parts of the brain and keep them active. |
| Improving food intake | Some studies have shown that playing calming music while eating can increase the appetite of some patients. |
Keep these things in mind when using music:
- Relive memories with old songs: Songs from their youth, between the ages of 18 and 30, are the ones that bring back the most memories. If the disease is severe, you may need to go back to songs from your childhood. If possible, sing along with them. You can even use a karaoke machine.
- Songs that make you want to dance: Playing songs that are a little faster and have a danceable beat will get their bodies and minds active. If possible, encourage them to move their limbs a little and dance.
- Calm your mind with soothing music: Alzheimer's patients often feel frustrated and anxious. Calming music can reduce these feelings. For example, playing a lullaby at bedtime can help them go to bed and sleep soundly.
The most important thing is that they may not be able to express in words what they like and dislike. So, pay close attention to their facial expressions . Look for signs of laughter, happiness, or sadness, and choose songs that they like. You can also ask other family members and friends what types of songs they have liked in the past.
Expressing feelings through art (Art Therapy)
With the disease, the ability to speak in words and express what is on their mind gradually decreases. At a time like this, things like drawing and coloring can be like a new language for them to express their feelings. It can be a very valuable experience for them, as well as for you who care for them.
Think about these things when helping to draw pictures.
- Ask them to draw something that reminds them of the past: Encourage them to draw an old house they used to live in, a flower they loved, or something that brings back an old memory. This will be a good topic for both of you to talk about together. You can talk about it both while drawing and after you're done.
- Don't give too much advice: If you keep giving them instructions like "paint this color" or "draw that color like this," they may get frustrated and get bored. So keep the advice to a minimum. Let them draw however they want, however they want. If they're having trouble getting started, take a brush and start drawing a little .
- Don't criticize!: This is the most important thing. You may think the color they choose is ugly. But keep that in mind. Talk positively about their creation. Encourage them by asking questions like, "Wow... this color is beautiful," "What did you feel when you wore this?" Remember, if they say, "I'm done wearing it," it's done. It doesn't matter if you don't like it. It's their creation.
Other treatments you can try
In addition to music and art, there are other ways to enrich the life of someone with Alzheimer's disease. Not everyone will find the same thing. So you need to choose what is best for them based on their needs and preferences.
| Treatment method | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Massage | Gently massaging areas like the arms and shoulders can reduce their anxiety and help them sleep better. |
| Pets (Pet Therapy) | If you used to love animals, you may find that being with an animal can bring you comfort and joy. It's good to let someone who can walk walk with a dog, or to let someone who has difficulty walking hold a cat on their lap and pet it. |
| Previous Hobbies | Help them get back to doing things they used to enjoy (e.g., gardening, knitting). When these things are incorporated into their daily routine, they feel more stable about their lives. |
Through all of this, we hope to bring a little joy, comfort, and respect to our loved ones during this difficult journey of memory loss. That is something that no pill can do, only love can.
Take-Home Message
- Although there is no complete cure for Alzheimer's disease, treatments such as art and music can improve the patient's quality of life.
- Music can help trigger memories, calm the mind, and keep the brain active. Especially use songs that were popular in their youth.
- When they have difficulty expressing themselves in words, drawing can be a good way for them to communicate. Encourage their creations positively, without criticizing them.
- Things like massage, spending time with pets, and engaging in old hobbies can also bring them comfort.
- Before starting any treatment, talk to your doctor to make sure it's right for your loved one. His or her guidance is very important.
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