Why you should read this article:

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To understand how music can stimulate various areas of the brain simultaneously

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To learn how listening to music can reduce symptoms such as agitation in people with dementia

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To familiarise yourself with the concept of ‘personalised music’ and how it can invoke memories and emotions in people with dementia

Music can stimulate the parts of the brain that regulate the pleasure receptors. Music is also neurologically unique in the way that it stimulates various parts of the brain at once. This suggests that in people with dementia if some parts of the brain are affected music can still reach other parts. Evidence suggests that music can have beneficial effects for people with dementia, such as reduction in agitation. This article gives an overview of the effects of music and music interventions on people with dementia, with a particular focus on personalised music – that is, music adapted to an individual’s personal preference which can invoke memories or emotions that have a positive effect on their well-being. The article outlines the benefits of and barriers to using personalised music as an intervention for people with dementia.