Henry Dreher, a 94 year old nursing home resident of 10 years, struggled with basic tasks that many people tend to take for granted. His advanced Alzheimer’s greatly limited his mobility and cognition. He frequently failed to remember the names of his children and, even when asked the simplest of questions, could barely interact with the staff and family that cared for him. Much of the time, Henry would simply slump over in his chair, unable or unwilling to move or speak. However, this seemingly impregnable fog of dementia could be pierced with what many would consider an enjoyable but ultimately frivolous source of entertainment: an iPod. When exposed to the songs of his youth for the first time in a decade, Henry immediately began singing …show more content…
Henry’s story did not involve the use of music therapy as no music therapist was present. According to the American Music Therapy Association, music therapy involves science backed techniques practiced by licensed professionals with at least a bachelor’s degrees in music therapy and 1200 hours of separate training(2014). Music therapists may implement a variety of different techniques to treat a patient, but the term “music therapist” only applies to board certified clinicians. In other words, the proverbial well-meaning group of teenagers with guitars are not conducting music therapy during their interactions with patients. However, mere exposure to music has a host of medically pertinent benefits and therefore is worth evaluating when discussing possible Alzheimer’s treatments ( Novotney, …show more content…
Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by an accumulation of proteins that leads to the formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain (“Alzheimer’s Disease”, 2015). These masses of misfolded proteins weaken and kill neurons starting in the hippocampus, the part of the brain most commonly associated with memory. Over 5 million people in the United States are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and some sources estimate that it represents the third leading cause of death in the country (“Alzheimer’s Disease”, 2015). However, while the erosion of cognitive faculties brought on by Alzheimer’s is steady and irreversible, not all of these mental abilities disappear at the same rate. According to some recent studies, the abilities to understand and create music might be the last to succumb to Alzheimer’s (Maguire,
The results showed that the music sessions were effective, and the levels were noticeably lower; however, the response did not last long (Wollen, 223). The response was shortened and did not last through the next week after the session (Wollen, 224). This means that music therapy for patients with Alzheimer’s disease is a temporary fix. Music therapy for people with Alzheimer’s can help improve their daily lives, but without the frequent sessions nothing about their condition will change.
There are many different ways that we benefit from music. Music can inspire better self-esteem, and confidence. It’s a great way to set the mood, and a wonderful tool. Music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program (Gram, 2005). Music therapy can reach out to anyone, age, race, gender it doesn’t matter. Children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly with mental health needs can benefit from music therapy. As well as, those who have developmental and learning disabilities, those who suffer from Alzheimer's
Dementia is the loss of cognition function. This condition is rapidly becoming a huge challenge as well a leading cause of mortality and morbidity of the 21st century, especially in the western world, and the current prediction rates of dementia indicate that it will worsen. The numbers of the individuals affected by the condition is anticipated to rise due to the ever expanding older population. Despite the menace of this condition, the power of music, particularly in singing to jerk or unlock past memories and kick start the grey matter of the brain is an incredible feature of dementia care. Using music seems to reach parts of the damaged patient’s brain in unique ways that other means cannot (Geretsegger et al. (2014). In senior adults with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other mental disorders, music therapy has shown capability of reducing agitated or aggressive behavior, improve cooperation with day-to-day activities such as bathing, improved mood, and reduce symptoms of dementia. Besides, music therapy can reduce the
In this research paper, the effectiveness of music therapy on the cognitive degenerative disorder of dementia will be evaluated. To support the contention that music therapy is effective in treating the symptoms of dementia, research documenting this therapy’s impact on memory, emotions, and behavior will be examined. In order to provide a greater understanding of music therapy and dementia, these terms will be defined. Second, research will be examined to determine music therapy’s impact on the psychological and behavioral issues associated with dementia. Finally, a summary of music therapy’s benefits and an evaluation of its effectiveness in treating individuals afflicted with dementia will be discussed.
The last technique of MT for dementia is combining music with activities. There are many more additional studies using MT which includes not only just melody but also with other activities like dancing, rhythmic movements, singing, playing instruments and more. Gómez-Gallego M and his colleagues asked forty-two minor to moderate AD to not only listen to the music they enjoy but also to dance, greet, play instruments and go on. The outcome of six-week intervention indicated that music with other activities could improve the cognitive status and alleviates neuropsychiatric symptoms of AD patients
For dementia patients, music from a person’s childhood or young adult years has proven to be effective in obtaining a positive response and involvement (and this happens even when the patient can no longer communicate). Music has been shown to help seniors process their thoughts and recall/maintain
It is no secret that music has a strange way of reaching people who were previously thought to be too far gone. Music has the capability to connect to individuals and touch them in a way that causes them to have some strange reactions (Warner et al, 35-36). These reactions aren’t fully understood but have the possibility to lead to great medical advancements. While some psychologists, and parents are strong believers in the helpful effects of music on people’s mental health, others see the dangers that come with music’s great influence and think it could be used as a dangerous tool against individuals.
Dementia is an extremely common disease among the elderly, with 4 million Americans currently suffering from the Alzheimer’s type alone. Figures show that 3% of people between the ages of 65-74 suffer from the disease, rapidly increasing to 19% for the 75-84 age bracket, and as high as 47% for the over 85s. Therefore, it is easy to see why Dementia is such a large part of many people’s lives, whether they are suffering from the condition themselves, or have an elderly relative who requires full time care just to undertake simple day to day tasks. The disease can be extremely traumatic for the patient and their families, as the person, who may have been extremely lively and bright throughout their
In the article “Dementia and the Power of Music Therapy” by Steve Matthews, argues that music therapy has positive effects on dementia, in terms of non-pharmacological treatment, inexpensive in health budgets, and neurocognitive benefits for patients. Matthews starts off the article by describing current tendency of dementia in western nation. He mentions that dementia is one of fast increasing disease in United States, Canada, UK, Europe, and Australia. Additionally, Australian government’s investment for dementia raised up to third highest in national health budgets, in the wake of cardiovascular disease and cancer (Matthews 2015). Following that, there is need for music therapy as an alternative approach in order to treat dementia.
Therefore, picking music that a person with Alzheimer’s listened to frequently during their younger years has resulted in strong responses from these patients – meaning that the music provokes them to show more signs of engagement with external stimulants. This also means that in order to create new forms of response in Alzheimer’s patients, new and unfamiliar music should be used because it has not yet been tied to any old memories. In addition to varying familiar and unfamiliar music when trying to conjure various positive responses in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, it is also beneficial to vary stimulating and sedative music genres. Stimulating music can help “promote movement” or “activate” patients. For example, playing faster tempo music during dinner could help prevent the patient from falling asleep at the table. Sedative music, or music with slower tempo, calmer rhythm, and little percussion, is good for relaxing the patient during activities that are usually agitating for them, or when they are trying to sleep. However, opposite responses may occur depending on the associations that the patients may have formed in their memories with the specific music (Clair).
Patients are shown listing to music on an iPod and their profound, often cathartic, reaction to it. Through the music, elders are able to reacquire memories that had been lost to them. The music unlocks a back door in their minds and allows them to be stimulated and come alive, even though they are physically and mentally stuck. Whether it is a withdrawn Henry who sings along to the songs he likes or eccentric
Three sophomore students in Kennebunk, Maine, are making a difference for the local elderly citizens through their music therapy organization: Project Playback. Alzheimer's and dementia have negative impacts on the human brain, and are more common in the elderly. Symptoms of each may include: extreme memory loss, difficulty thinking or understanding, delusion, disorientation, and overall mental decline. Jason Albaum (15), Juli Ennis (16), and Colby Ellis (16) have, for 3 years, been helping elderly Alzheimer's and dementia patients to bring back good memories from their earlier life by playing certain songs for them. Their contributions have made a positive impact on many elderly men & women’s lives. Recently, U.S. Cellular (through
This was a great video demonstrating the positive effects of music therapy. I think music therapy is a good method of treatment for patients with Alzheimer's. This allowed Henry to bring a sense of identity to himself. As his daughter mentioned, he used to love music and dancing. The music helped him remember the past and it also produced feelings of love. It was nice to see that he could experience those positive feelings from listing to music from his time. I think music really helps people with dementia. Before Henry was unresponsive and usually kept his head down. However, when he was listened to music his face was full of expression and his body moved to the music. The music helped communicate with others in the nursing home and his cognitive
According to the American Music Therapy Association (A.M.T.A.), music therapy is “the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.” As a generally new and upcoming industry, music therapy is often underestimated. By incorporating different areas of the brain, music can reduce stress, ease
Music therapy, a clinical use of music interventions to accomplish therapeutic goals, involves a broad range of activities including playing an instrument, singing, or listening to music. Similar to occupational and physical therapy, this expressive arts therapy remedies psychological conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or hypertension to maintain the well-being of an individual. Likewise, music has been a therapeutic tool that has shown positive effects to parts of the brain including regions involved in emotion, sensation, movement, and cognition. Although music therapy is a somewhat new-found treatment, it is used prominently today. Administered by a trained therapist, this type of therapy is used in correctional facilities, nursing homes, hospices, and special education schools.