Unlocking Memories

Abstract

Dementia cases are rising along with the elderly population. Thus, alternative methods to pharmacological treatment are increasingly sought to improve the quality of life of these people. Among these interventions, the effects of music-based therapies (MBT) on the symptoms of dementia and the use of digital technologies to mediate and enhance non-pharmacological therapies are being increasingly studied. The use of MBT contributes to the reduction of neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia and is associated with the stimulation of specific cognitive functions. Meanwhile, digital technologies aim to support people living with dementia throughout their illness and are cited as a facilitator of non-pharmacological approaches to treat the non-cognitive aspects of dementia and stimulate cognitive functions. The authors discuss the aging process, and the use of digital technologies to enhance the use of music as a therapeutic resource in the non-pharmacological treatment of dementia syndromes, presenting the advantages and possibilities of bringing these two resources together.