UCLA Explores Music's Healing Power for Dialysis Patients

Music and Dialysis: A New Look at Healing

We all know music has a special place in our lives. From lullabies to workout jams, it's more than just sound. Music can take you to another place, remind you of a forgotten memory, or simply make you feel something deep inside. Now, Dr. Niloofar Nobakht at UCLA thinks music might also help heal, especially for patients on dialysis.

Understanding Kidney Disease and Dialysis

Kidney disease affects 1 in 7 adults in the US. The kidneys filter waste from our blood, but over time, for some, they stop working. Patients then need regular treatments called dialysis. It’s a tough process, taking hours at a time, often three times a week. For many, the experience is stressful, tiring, and filled with medical alarms and close-quartered seats.

Can Music Make a Difference?

Music has a history of helping patients. It's been seen to positively change our mood and even reduce our physical stress signs. Dr. Nobakht believes listening to music during dialysis might help patients relax. Some studies even found it reduces stress hormones in the body.

Interestingly, the type of music matters. In a study, classical tunes like Mozart had a calming effect, while popular tracks like ABBA's didn't. So, there’s a mix of personal preference and the actual type of music.

New Research: Music, Virtual Reality, and Dialysis

UCLA is now testing how music and even virtual reality might help during dialysis. Patients will try dialysis with their choice of music, then with a virtual reality headset showing calming scenes. The aim? To see if these tools can truly help patients feel better during their treatment.

Dr. Nobakht and her team are excited about this study. While results will take time, they hope to show that music can be an easy, low-cost way to improve treatment for kidney patients.

To conclude, the blend of science, medicine, and music is offering hope. If the studies are right, the soothing power of music might soon be a regular part of healing for many.

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Reference

UCLA Health explores benefits of music for patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis

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‍About the Author

Rich Foreman brings over 30 years of technology leadership to his role of CEO and Co-Founder of KidneySoft.  As founding CTO, Rich led the team that developed the CordicoShield / CordicoFire Wellness App. Cordico was honored with the Sacramento Innovation Award in 2021. After achieving a 7 digit ARR, Cordico was acquired by Lexipol in 2020. Rich has a BS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Washington, an MPA from Troy State University and was an officer in the U.S. Navy. Rich co-authored his book, "Tap into the Mobile Economy." Rich's blog was listed in Top 20 Marketing Mobile Blogs of 2014. He has been featured on KCRA3, NEWS10, 1170 Tech AM PowerDrive, Business Radio Money 105.5, SiliconIndia, the Sacramento Business Journal, and the Sacramento Bee. Rich is also the Founding Director of the Sacramento Chapter of Startup Grind and served a term as Utility Commissioner for the City of Folsom. Rich is a regular contributor to TechWire.net and StartupSac. Rich was the Co-founder of Apptology which was named Small Business of the Year in 2014 by the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber. He was also the Founding Chief Technology Officer at Cordico. Cordico was acquired by Lexipol in 2020.  Rich also served 4 years as a Naval Officer in the Civil Engineer Corps.

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Patient Education Disclaimer

This material is for informational purposes only. It does not replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. KidneyLuv makes every effort to provide information that is accurate and timely, but makes no guarantee in this regard. You should consult with, and rely only on the advice of, your physician or health care professional.

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