Study: Singing Show Tunes Can Combat Dementia

It might be time to break out your Phantom of the Opera soundtrack.

A new study has found that singing show tunes can help combat dementia. During the four-month study, the participants, who had dementia, were divided into two groups. The first group sang along with classic show tunes during three 50-minute sessions per week. The second group just listened to the songs.

At the end of the study, the researchers found that the singing group's performance on cognitive tests had improved. The listening group did not show improvement. The researchers said that the results indicate that singing is an effective form of therapy for those with moderate to severe dementia.

The type of music sung is important, the researchers added. Familiar songs, such as show tunes, might activate the brain by sparking memories.

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