How Music Benefits Brain Health
How Music Benefits Brain Health
Music engagement has been shown to play a significant role in enhancing brain health, particularly among older adults with dementia. According to a study led by Dr. Petr Janata at the University of California, Davis, customized music programming can help alleviate behavioral and emotional issues, such as agitation and depression, common in those with Alzheimer’s.
The study implemented a 12-week music intervention that provided personalized playlists streamed into residents’ rooms for three hours a day. Results revealed notable reductions in agitation and depression, with scores on key assessments dropping by as much as 54%. The music programs, carefully curated to match each individual’s preferences and listening history, helped create a soothing, familiar environment that positively impacted residents’ well-being.
Interestingly, the study also showed that the effects of music extended beyond the residents directly receiving music programming. Even those in a control group, who were not designated to receive the music treatment, benefited from incidental exposure to the music by moving through the shared spaces where the playlists were played.
This pervasive musical atmosphere contributed to a positive shift in mood and behavior throughout the facility, reducing symptoms of anxiety and promoting a sense of calm for all residents. These findings underscore the therapeutic power of music to support emotional stability, decrease distress, and provide a meaningful sensory experience that engages the brain and enhances quality of life.
Transforming Resident Experience in Senior Living
A survey we for one of our LTC clients shows just how impactful Coro Health’s MusicFirst program has been for residents and staff alike.
Communities implementing MusicFirst saw dramatic improvements across critical areas, including a 73% increase in resident activity participation, a 64% decrease in negative dining behaviors, and a 91% improvement in sleep quality.
These results highlight the program’s ability to enhance resident engagement, reduce agitation, and create a more positive dining and living environment.
The team has expressed immense gratitude, noting immediate positive changes in resident happiness and satisfaction. One memorable moment shared by staff involved a resident, typically reserved, smiling and tapping along to the music—demonstrating the powerful impact that personalized music can have on daily well-being.
MusicFirst: Transforming Care Through Music
Coro Health’s MusicFirst program brings these evidence-based benefits to senior living communities and healthcare settings.
With curated, personalized playlists designed to support specific therapeutic outcomes, MusicFirst offers residents a way to connect, engage, and feel at ease. Whether used to calm agitation, uplift mood, or foster connection, MusicFirst provides a powerful resource for caregivers to enhance residents’ lives through the transformative effects of music.
