Understanding: Why do old people make humming noises?

According to the National Institutes of Health, vocalizations are a common neuropsychiatric symptom in dementia patients, affecting up to 90% of individuals at some point. This frequent and often puzzling behavior prompts many to ask: why do old people make humming noises? The answer is more complex than it appears.

Quick Summary

Older adults may hum for several reasons, including as a self-soothing technique, a form of communication when verbal skills diminish, or a physical response related to concentration or muscle changes. The causes range from neurological conditions like dementia to physiological factors and emotional needs.

Key Points

• Self-Soothing: Humming can be a subconscious coping mechanism to reduce anxiety and find comfort, especially in those with cognitive decline.

• Non-Verbal Communication: When verbal skills wane, humming may be a substitute for speech, conveying internal feelings or a need for attention.

• Neurological Impact: Conditions like dementia can damage parts of the brain that control speech and behavior, leading to involuntary vocalizations.

• Physical Exertion: Sounds can result from involuntary diaphragmatic bracing, which occurs when the body's core muscles strain during movement.

• Caregiver Strategy: Patience, reassurance, and redirection are key. Understanding the potential underlying causes helps caregivers respond with empathy rather than frustration.

• Observe for Patterns: Noting when and how humming occurs can help identify triggers, such as anxiety, boredom, or physical discomfort.

Exploring the reasons behind humming in older adults

Humming and other non-verbal vocalizations are a common, though often misunderstood, aspect of aging and cognitive decline. For family members and caregivers, these sounds can be confusing, disruptive, and even frustrating. By understanding the root causes, we can approach the behavior with more empathy and find effective strategies to manage it.

Psychological and emotional factors

For many seniors, humming serves as a psychological coping mechanism. It is often an unconscious, rhythmic sound that provides comfort and security, especially when feeling anxious, lonely, or overwhelmed. As the world becomes less predictable and cognitive abilities decline, repetitive actions like humming can offer a sense of stability and control. For those with dementia, this can be a way to self-regulate emotions and calm a nervous system that is overstimulated or agitated. In other cases, it may be a form of self-expression when the ability to use words is lost, a way of feeling a sense of inclusion in a conversation even if they cannot speak.

• Anxiety reduction: The rhythmic nature of humming can have a calming effect, similar to other forms of self-soothing.
• Emotional expression: When speech is no longer an option, vocalizations can be the only way to express an internal state, such as happiness, fear, or frustration.
• Relieving boredom or loneliness: In isolation, humming can provide a form of internal company and stimulation.

Neurological and cognitive changes

Neurological damage from conditions like Alzheimer's or vascular dementia can significantly impact a person's behavior, leading to vocalizations. Damage to the brain's frontal lobe, which governs inhibition and decision-making, is often linked to repetitive vocal behaviors. Additionally, some individuals with cognitive impairment may experience hallucinations or delusions, and their humming could be a reaction to these internal stimuli. The complex neural pathways involved in speech, memory, and emotion can be disrupted, resulting in seemingly random or persistent sounds.

• Dementia-related vocalizations: As dementia progresses, speech and language centers in the brain deteriorate, leading to non-verbal sounds as a substitute.
• Brain injury: Lesions or damage to specific parts of the brain can disrupt normal behavioral patterns, resulting in vocalizations.
• Tic-like behavior: Some repetitive vocalizations can be a form of a tic, particularly when related to psychological conditions or medication side effects.

Physiological causes and physical effort

Sometimes, the humming is not a psychological or cognitive symptom, but a physiological one. Dr. Zac, cited by the New York Post, explains that an involuntary grunt or hum can be caused by "diaphragmatic bracing." This is the body's natural effort to stabilize its core muscles during physical exertion, such as standing up or sitting down. As postural muscles weaken with age, the body works harder to stabilize itself, and that effort can manifest as an audible sound. Similarly, breathing patterns and other subtle bodily functions can change, leading to involuntary vocalizations.

• Diaphragmatic bracing: The body's natural attempt to stabilize the core during movement can result in a humming or grunting sound.
• Pain management: Chronic pain can be a trigger for vocalizations, as the humming may provide emotional relief or an outlet for discomfort.
• Medication side effects: Certain medications for anxiety, depression, or other conditions can have neurological side effects that cause involuntary sounds.

Comparison of humming causes

Cause	Trigger	Context	Management Strategies
Psychological	Anxiety, loneliness, boredom, fear	Individual is seeking comfort, attention, or control. Often unconscious.	Reassurance, gentle touch, engaging activities, addressing underlying emotional needs.
Neurological	Brain damage, dementia progression, hallucinations	Involuntary behavior due to cognitive decline or neurological disruption.	Redirection, music therapy, addressing agitation, consistent routines.
Physiological	Physical exertion (standing, lifting), pain, medication	A physical reaction to muscle effort or discomfort, sometimes a learned behavior.	Movement and strength exercises, pain management consultation, medication review.

Strategies for caregivers and family

Observing and responding to humming requires patience and a compassionate approach. Understanding the potential triggers and context can make a significant difference. Keeping a journal of when the humming occurs may help identify patterns, such as increased vocalization during specific times of day, before meals, or during transitions.

• Address unmet needs: The humming may signal a need for attention, a drink of water, a visit to the bathroom, or an adjustment in seating.
• Provide reassurance: A calming voice, eye contact, and gentle touch can help soothe anxiety and reduce the need for self-soothing vocalizations.
• Redirect attention: Instead of telling the person to stop, try distracting them with a favorite activity, music, or a walk outside. For those with dementia, redirection has been shown to be an effective nonpharmacological approach.
• Engage with music: Playing familiar, beloved music can be a powerful tool, potentially replacing repetitive humming with singing along or just listening with enjoyment.
• Consult a professional: If the humming is persistent, changes in frequency or intensity, or is accompanied by other distressing symptoms, it may be beneficial to consult a neurologist or psychiatrist.

Conclusion

To the uninitiated, the sound of an older person humming may seem strange or meaningless, but to an expert, it is a form of communication and a window into their inner state. The causes of humming are varied, spanning emotional, neurological, and physiological factors. By shifting from frustration to curiosity, caregivers can learn to interpret these cues and respond with greater empathy, providing better care and improving the quality of life for the senior. Recognizing that the humming is a symptom, not a deliberate act, is the first step toward finding a compassionate and effective way forward. For more detailed guidance on managing behavioral symptoms, resources from reputable organizations like the Alzheimer's Association can be invaluable. Link to Alzheimer's Association's page on behavioral symptoms

Frequently Asked Questions

Is humming a sign of dementia?

Humming can be a symptom associated with dementia, often falling under the category of neuropsychiatric symptoms or vocalizations. It is not, however, a definitive sign on its own, as it can have many other causes. It should be assessed in the context of other behavioral and cognitive changes.

How can caregivers manage an older person who is constantly humming?

Management strategies include providing reassurance, redirecting their attention to a favorite activity, or engaging them with music they enjoy. Keeping a journal to identify triggers can also be helpful. Addressing underlying needs like pain or anxiety is also important.

Can humming in the elderly be a side effect of medication?

Yes, some medications, particularly those that affect neurological or psychological function, can have side effects that manifest as involuntary humming or other vocalizations. It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider to review medications if this behavior is observed.

Is humming in older people a way to communicate?

Often, yes. When verbal communication becomes difficult due to cognitive decline, humming or other non-verbal sounds can become a form of communication. It may express a feeling, a need for attention, or simply a way to fill silence and feel connected.

Why would a person hum during physical tasks?

Some humming or grunting sounds during physical exertion can be a physiological response called 'diaphragmatic bracing.' As core muscles weaken with age, the body creates sounds to stabilize itself when standing, lifting, or moving.

Should I tell an old person to stop humming?

It is generally not helpful to tell an older person to stop humming, especially if the humming is a symptom of cognitive impairment. Reasoning with them is often futile and can cause frustration for both parties. Instead, focus on redirection and addressing potential underlying issues.

Could a change in environment affect humming behavior?

Yes, environmental factors can be a significant trigger for vocalizations. Stress, confusion, and changes in routine or surroundings can increase anxiety, which an older person may try to soothe through humming or other repetitive sounds.