Music and Memory: How Music Therapy Supports Dementia and Memory Care
Music therapy engages individuals with dementia through live, personalized music experiences that improve mood, memory, and connection .
For individuals living with dementia, moments of clarity and connection can sometimes feel fleeting. Yet one powerful tool consistently bridges memory, emotion, and engagement: music. Long before words may fade, songs and rhythms remain accessible, tapping into deeply rooted parts of the brain. Music therapy—led by trained, board-certified music therapists—harnesses this unique power to improve quality of life for individuals in memory care.
If you’re looking for music therapy in Orange County or Los Angeles, California, we may be able to help you or your loved one. Contact us to begin an assessment or learn more.
Why Music Matters in Dementia Care
Unlike many other cognitive functions, our ability to recognize and respond to music often stays intact even in the later stages of dementia. The reason lies in how the brain processes music. Musical memory and emotional response are stored in areas of the brain that are relatively preserved compared to language or executive functions.
When a person hears a familiar song, it can spark recognition, trigger memories, and even bring back words thought to be lost. Beyond memory, music activates movement, emotion, and attention, allowing individuals to be fully present and engaged in the moment.
The Role of Music Therapy vs. Recorded Music
Families and caregivers often notice a difference between playing recorded music in the background and participating in a structured music therapy session. While recorded music can be soothing, it is passive. Music therapy, on the other hand, is active, intentional, and tailored to the individual or group.
Music therapists don’t just press play—they design sessions to meet therapeutic goals. For example:
Encouraging verbal expression by prompting clients to sing familiar lyrics.
Supporting movement and coordination with rhythm-based activities like clapping or drumming.
Calming agitation with live, responsive music that adjusts in tempo and dynamics to meet the client’s mood.
Facilitating social interaction by leading group singing or call-and-response songs.
This individualized approach transforms music from background noise into a powerful intervention that can reduce anxiety, increase engagement, and provide a sense of purpose.
Benefits of Music Therapy in Memory Care
Research and practice show that music therapy in dementia care can:
Improve mood and reduce depression.
Decrease agitation and behavioral symptoms.
Increase socialization and communication.
Enhance physical movement and mobility through rhythm.
Provide caregivers and families with moments of meaningful connection.
For many families, witnessing a loved one light up while singing an old favorite or tapping along to a drumbeat is a reminder that joy and connection are still possible.
How to Access Music Therapy for a Loved One
There are several ways to bring the benefits of music therapy to your loved one or community:
Facility Partnerships
Many memory care facilities, assisted living centers, and skilled nursing homes contract with local board-certified music therapists to lead weekly or monthly group and individual sessions. Families can ask facility directors if they already work with a music therapist or suggest contracting with one.Private Pay Options
Families can also hire music therapists directly to provide sessions in the home or at a care facility. This option allows for flexible scheduling and highly individualized care tailored to the client’s preferences and goals.Referrals and Resources
To find a qualified music therapist, families can visit the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) or the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) directory to locate professionals in their area.
Looking for a music therapist?
Contact us to start sessions or learn more. We are available in Orange County, Los Angeles, and online.
Music has the power to transform lives.
Your voice matters. And we can’t wait to make music with you.
Lety Castillo, OCMS Founder
Lety Castillo is the founder of OC Music Services (OCMS), created from her belief in music’s powerful ability to transform lives when guided by the right support and environment. Her clinical and educational philosophy centers on empowerment, with a deep commitment to the idea that every individual has the capacity to learn, grow, and adapt at any stage.