Therapeutic Music for Dementia: Calm During Agitation
Agitation is one of the most common challenges in dementia care. A person may become restless, anxious, confused, or resistant to care without being able to explain what is wrong.
For caregivers, these moments can be difficult. But sometimes, connection does not have to begin with words.
Music can offer another way in.
Research into music for dementia suggests that thoughtfully selected music may help support mood, emotional well-being, and behavior for people living with dementia.
Why Music Can Be Powerful in Dementia Care
Music is closely connected to emotion and personal memory.
A familiar song can bring back memories of family, celebrations, faith, dancing, or important moments from earlier in life. Even when conversation becomes difficult, music may still create opportunities for recognition and connection.
That response may look different for every person.
One resident may begin singing along. Another may smile, relax, or become more engaged with the people around them.
The goal is not simply to play music. It is to choose music that feels familiar, meaningful, and appropriate for the moment.
How Music May Help During Agitation
Agitation can happen for many reasons. A resident may be tired, overstimulated, uncomfortable, frightened, or confused by their surroundings.
Music can become one part of a person-centered approach to these moments.
Care teams may use therapeutic music:
During Transitions
Moving from one activity to another can sometimes create confusion. Familiar music may help make transitions between meals, activities, personal care, or bedtime feel more predictable and comfortable.
During Personal Care
Bathing, dressing, and grooming can be stressful for some people living with dementia. Familiar music may create a calmer environment and give caregivers another way to build connection during these routines.
During Restlessness or Sundowning
Some residents experience greater confusion or agitation later in the day. Gentle, familiar music can be one supportive strategy for creating a calmer atmosphere during these periods.
During Quiet Moments
Music does not have to be used only after agitation begins. It can also support relaxation, rest, one-on-one visits, and other peaceful moments throughout the day.
Personalization Matters
Not every song will have the same effect.
A song that makes one resident smile may have no meaning for another. Music can also bring up strong emotions, including sadness.
That is why caregivers should consider:
- Favorite artists and genres
- Music connected to important life experiences
- Cultural and spiritual preferences
- Songs that seem to encourage relaxation or engagement
- Music that appears to create discomfort
Care teams should always pay attention to the resident’s response.
If the person appears calmer, sings along, smiles, or becomes more engaged, the music may be helping. If they become more restless or uncomfortable, the song should be changed or stopped.
Bringing Therapeutic Music Into Everyday Dementia Care
For senior living and memory care teams, finding the right music for the right moment can take time.
MusicFirst by Coro Health makes therapeutic music easier to integrate into daily care. The platform provides thoughtfully designed music programs that can support relaxation, energy, activities, dining, sleep, and other everyday routines.
Instead of relying on random playlists or background music, care teams can use music with greater purpose – helping create moments of calm, familiarity, and connection for the people they support.
Learn more about MusicFirst by Coro Health:
https://corohealth.com/music-first/