Did you know that some Alzheimer’s patients who have lost the ability to speak can still sing? Researchers and therapists have long suspected that music has a soothing effect on those with Alzheimer’s, but recent research suggests that music may even help their failing memory and cognitive function. For instance, in a study at the University of California, Irvine, people with Alzheimer’s who listened to a Mozart piano sonata had improved skills on memory tests.

And music may also benefit Parkinson’s patients. In two recent studies, patients with Parkinson’s, when walking to music, could go faster and take bigger steps and showed better balance and movement control.
For more information about music therapy, contact the American Music Therapy Association at (301) 589-3300 or visit www.musictherapy.org.