Category: Alzheimer’s

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Alzheimer’s and Music

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is currently incurable, and its symptoms tend to worsen over time. However, there are ways to improve the quality of life of those living with Alzheimer’s, and music is one of the most effective ways to do this.

Music can stimulate multiple parts of the brain simultaneously, which can help those with Alzheimer’s to focus and communicate better. Listening to music can also provide a sense of comfort and familiarity, which can help to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression.

When people with Alzheimer’s hear music, they may become more animated and engaged. They may even sing, dance, or clap their hands. Music has a powerful effect on the brain. Our brains store certain memories by linking them with specific songs, which is why we associate certain songs with particular memories or emotions.

Music therapy is a standard treatment for Alzheimer’s patients because of its positive effects on mood and behavior. Music can boost mood, encourage movement, and help those with difficulty communicating express themselves. Music of all genres is easily accessible, making it a convenient and cost-effective way of improving the quality of life of those with Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s can cause mood swings, agitation, and other behavioral changes. Accessing an upbeat or calming song can help manage these symptoms and improve the patient’s overall well-being. Additionally, music can be a way to communicate with Alzheimer’s patients. Play different songs with different meanings and observe the reaction. That reaction can be a form of communication that most people with Alzheimer’s cannot express in words.

In conclusion, music therapy is a promising treatment for Alzheimer’s patients. It has many benefits, including improving mood, communication, and overall quality of life. Music can help to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression, and it is easily accessible to all. By incorporating music into Alzheimer’s care plans, we can improve the well-being of those with this disease.

References:

https://seniorht.com/music-therapy-dementia-alzheimers/

https://www.arborcompany.com/blog/music-and-alzheimers-benefits-of-music-therapy#:~:text=Music%20can%20also%20be%20used,patients%20to%20participate%20in%20exercise.

Written by: Harley Dick

4/16/2024

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Healthy Fats for Brain Health

Have you ever honestly considered what your brain is made of? The brain is made of 60% fat, which is why feeding your body healthy fats is so important. Healthy fats have been scientifically linked to advanced brain health. Today’s post will discuss two of the most critical health fats to feed your body: olive oil and omega-3 fats.

Olive oil is the first healthy fat we want to inform you about. The consumption of olive oil protects your memories and your learning capabilities. Olive oils contain two vitamins that improve brain health. These vitamins are Vitamin K and E. Vitamin E help protect mental decline s we age, helps to maintain a good memory, slow memory loss, and significantly reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Another thing that olive oil does is decrease the risk of depression. The Standard American Diet (SAD) is loaded with unhealthy trans fats from fast food, processed food, and vegetable oils like canola, sunflower, soy, and safflower, which are extracted with heat and chemical solvents. When participants in a large study called The SUN Project replaced these less healthy vegetable oils with olive oil, their risk of depression plummeted by almost 50%. Researchers concluded that the more trans fats consumed, the higher the risk of depression. One diet that a person could follow to improve brain health is a Mediterranean diet high in olive oil, which can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by up to 40%

Omega-3 fatty acids are the most beneficial nutrients for brain and body health. They can improve mood and memory and protect your brain from certain disorders. Omega-3s are considered essential fatty acids because our bodies can’t make them. 

You must get omega-3 fats from the food you eat or the supplements you take. The list of systemic disorders or diseases they’ve been found to help is a long one that includes Alzheimer’s and dementia. Omega-3s are located in the brain and nervous system, where they are needed to build healthy cell membranes, reduce inflammation, promote new cell formation, form essential brain chemicals, and improve nerve transmission. 

Written by Harley Dick

1/31/2024