Singing show tunes helps fight off dementia, says study
Singing show tunes improves the brain function of people with Alzheimer's, a US study has shown.
In a four-month-long study, researchers working with elderly residents at a care home found that people who belted out their favourite songs showed a marked improvement compared to those who just listened. The most improvement was among people with moderate to severe dementia.
Among the songs sung during 50-minute sessions were classic hits from The Wizard of Oz, Oklahoma! and The Sound of Music.
Jane Flinn, one of the scientists in the study who works at George Mason University, said the study finds that singing is beneficial.
“Even when people are in the fairly advanced stages of dementia, when it is so advanced they are in a secure ward, singing sessions were still helpful,” she said.
“The message is: don't give up on these people. You need to be doing things that engage them, and singing is cheap, easy and engaging.”
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