CST Song Of The Day

CST (Cognitive Stimulation Therapy) is recommended by the 'National Institute For Health & Care Excellence' for people with mild to moderate dementia. It is an approach which uses multimedia resources to stimulate cognition (memory & thinking) and promote socialisation and wellbeing. 

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Musical memory is often remarkably preserved in dementia, even in advanced stages, because musical, emotional, and procedural memories are stored across broad brain regions, unlike the specific areas damaged early by Alzheimer's. Familiar music can trigger deep autobiographical recall, reduce agitation, and improve mood by tapping into emotional systems that remain intact. 

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Why Musical Memory Lasts

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• Procedural Memory: Music, especially rhythm and familiar songs, engages procedural memory (automatic actions), which is often spared compared to episodic memory (recalling specific events).

• Brain Resilience: Music activates the motor cortex, anterior cingulate gyrus, and emotional centers, which are typically the last areas of the brain to degenerate.

• Emotional Connection: Songs often connect to intense, early-life memories, providing a bridge to a person's sense of self and identity. 

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Benefits of Music in Dementia Care

• Improved Mood and Behavior: Listening to or singing along with familiar music can reduce agitation, anxiety, and depression.

• Enhanced Communication: Music can help non-verbal individuals express emotions, smile, or move, boosting engagement with caregivers.

• Cognitive Stimulation: It can briefly improve focus, verbal fluency, and memory recall. 

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Implementing Musical Therapy

• Personalized Playlists: Creating a playlist of "meaningful" music from a person’s younger years is highly effective.

• Active Participation: Singing, dancing, or playing instruments provides deeper engagement than passive listening.

• Routine Use: Using music during daily care tasks can reduce resistance and create a calmer environment.