Music Therapy to Help with Memory Loss

The human brain works in mysterious ways, and studies have shown how it can be attracted to patterns and rhythm, making music therapy most beneficial for people with memory loss.

BlueCross client, Gordon Louey, 70, learned to play the guitar at a very young age but Alzheimer’s disease has made him forget most of his skills. His weekly session with a music therapist is helping him to remember and relearn his skills.

“I just hope to get the technics right. I can hardly play anything now,” says Gordon. “Over time, because of my health condition, I just forget and lose the ability.”

“Music is my life. I used to play frequently before I had my stroke a few years ago.”

After less than a year in therapy, Gordon is already showing much progress and now able to play some guitar chords.

“Music therapy can provide a range of benefits for the elderly and help mitigate some of the effects of memory loss due to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease,” says Winifred Beevers, Gordon’s music therapist.

During our sessions, I let Gordon lead what we do and I follow,” she says. “The last few months, he has been spending more time on getting his guitar going. He has some good strumming patterns and is becoming more familiar with chords and learning some new ones too.”

Not one to let his health and physical conditions get in the way, Gordon is also taking up computer and smartphone lessons. Gordon is happy that his music therapy and technology classes are all funded by his Home Care Package with BlueCross Home Care.

A home care client since 2016, Gordon’s package also includes social support twice a week to get out and about, and reimbursements for gardening and cleaning services.