Alzheimer’s residents can feel the good vibrations of music in a very therapeutic way.   Since ancient times, music has been recognized as a calming agent and an antidote to stress and tension. Studies have shown that listening to music affects the release of powerful brain chemicals that can regulate mood, improve sleep, and reduce aggression as well as depression.

Many people with Alzheimer's disease have behavior problems of aggression and agitation. A structured music therapy program has a calming effect, and agitated or aggressive patients might benefit from this natural therapy.

The music and artistry of composer Paul Collier is deeply moving.  His music is scientifically designed to relax and soothe.   All of his music is instrumental and uses alpha binaural tones. Binaural beats or binaural tones are auditory processing artifacts, or apparent sounds, the perception of which arises in the brain for specific physical stimuli. This effect was discovered in 1839 by Heinrich Wilhelm Dove, and earned greater public awareness in the late 20th century based on claims that binaural beats could help induce relaxation, meditation, creativity and other desirable mental states. Binaural beats reportedly influence the brain in more subtle ways through the entrainment of brainwaves and have been claimed to reduce anxiety and provide other health benefits such as control over pain. By incorporating a different music video each day at dinnertime for the residents to enjoy while eating their meals, a calming effect can help the resident relax and enjoy their meal by easing their anxiety that naturally comes with the disease. Musician Paul Collier specializes in creating beautiful music with these special tones imbedded in each composition.  They are all available on YouTube.

People who suffer brain damage from Alzheimer's can still respond to music. “It touches those parts of the brain that are uninjured, and can help Alzheimer's patients communicate with others and lead a more social life," claims Benjamin Pearce. "People who are not even aware of their own name or of their family and friends will sometimes respond to music," he notes. "People who can't put two words together may be able to sing songs associated with birthdays, weddings, and other important events from their past."  “We even have a simple exercise poem put to music that starts off the resident’s day on the right foot. While the music plays, residents of Potomac Homes relax and hum along, tap their toes, and you can visually see them relax.”

“You can use music to promote a sense of calm and well-being, explained Pearce. “You can listen to your favorite soothing music when you eat, before you sleep, and when you want to relax. Music therapy might be a safer and more effective alternative to many psychotropic medications. Music reaches people; it can help us maintain our hormonal and emotional balance, even during periods of stress or disease."