Benefits of Rhythm and Drumming for Persons Living with Dementia
Rhythm is a powerful tool to globally stimulate the brain. Vision and speech are in two different areas of the brain, but feeling rhythm, listening to music and especially playing a musical instrument, uses the whole brain, reaching different pathways. For people in general, and especially those living with dementia, people who play a musical instrument regularly have healthier immune systems and are better able to fight off colds, flu, and viruses.
Drumming is a perfect instrument to integrate into the daily schedule for you and your loved one living with dementia to enjoy. There is no experience necessary to play a drum as it would be for a piano, guitar or violin and bongo or Djembe’s can be purchased to use in the home. Other types of drums to consider are tom-tom drums, drum pads with drum sticks or mallets (can use headphones and not disturb the household), snare drums, or frame and hand drums.
Percussion instruments are also great and easy to play and can be packed away when you travel to have them on hand for a stress reducer. Maraca’s, shakers, and small Cajon drums are perfect to bring to family events and share the joy of music-making. The tongue drum and ocean drum are other easy instruments play instruments that will bring a sense of calmness and mindfulness, thus reducing anxiety.
Don’t’ have a drum? Try implementing rhythm activities through drumming:
- Table taps. After lunch, start a rhythm and have your loved one join in. Sing a song to the rhythm or play a familiar song and tap it out.
- Use pencils as drum sticks and bring out the pots and pans (turning upside down of course!).
- Variations can include a “call and response” activity. You play a rhythm and your loved one repeats. Take turns “calling and responding.”
- Take turns play solos.
Don’t be afraid to be creative. Drumming can give a sense of personal power and can bring the person into the present and can be very grounding. For individuals who have difficulty expressing feelings verbally, drumming encourages opportunities to release emotions and experience a means of self-expression. The benefits of music making with drums may just be the key for communicating with those who no longer feel they have a voice.
If you, a friend or family member living with memory loss would be interested in learning more about our Memory Ministry, educational family and friends workshops, or our Monday morning Café, please contact Vicky Pitner at vpitner@fumc.org