Music Therapy For The Elderly

According to Geretsegger et al. (2014), music therapy is an effective clinical intervention for a varied of medical conditions, which are profoundly supported by strong scientific evidence on their significance for mood enhancement and stress relief. The five conditions for which music therapy has been studied, backed up by good scientific evidence are; dementia, autism, sleep quality, depression and infant development.

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

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.

One of the places that music therapy is used most is with geriatric patients, or residents in elderly homes. Jillian Babcock talks about how comfort, relaxation, and positive moods are some of the difficulties in assisted living homes, but music therapy has proven successful in achieving these criteria, “…it helps improve social, psychological, intellectual and

Evidence based practice shows that music has had many positive effects on those with dementia when used as a form of treatment. In fact, some of the benefits that have resulted from music therapy are currently unachievable by other interventions. Music therapy is defined as “controlled use of music and its influence on the human being to aid in physiological, psychological and emotional integration of individual during treatment of an illness or disability” (Sung, Lee, Chang & Smith, 2011). Patients with advanced dementia display a variety of unfavorable behaviors that are unpleasant and difficult to

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.

Imagine having a stressful day at work and going out to the vehicle and not having any sound. Try to envision what life would be like not knowing what music was or how it sounded. Music has its way of connecting with people mentally, physically, and emotionally. Some people may question why music is so memorable, powerful, and emotional. Many people have songs that remind them of things such as relationships, break-ups, or sadly a death, and many more things. Music has been around for many centuries, but what people may not know is that music can help with one’s health (Music on the Brain). Something that many people may not know is that music connects with people who have dementia and Alzheimer’s disease as well. Music therapy leads to a positive effect on patients because it sparks one’s memory, makes one’s mood change, and it helps a person’s quality of life.

“Who are you again?” my great-grandmother asked her daughter, my grandma. Dementia is a horrible diagnosis not only for the people diagnosed with it, but also for everyone around them. Someone you’ve known your whole life slowly starts to forget you. I want to know many things about dementia because I know as I get older there is a larger chance more and more people close to me will suffer with dementia. I have chosen this topic since both my great-grandparents suffered with dementia/Alzheimer’s, so I have been in contact with people who start to forget the most important things and people in their lives.

As the great Billy Joel once said, “I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music (as qtd. in Bordowitz 53).” It has become so easy to access music, that in today’s world almost everyone listens to it, but we never stop to think about how therapeutic it can be. Music provides people with entertainment, lets them express themselves freely, and can alter their mood. Alzheimer’s disease progressively destroys a patient’s memory and thinking skills. It prevents them being able to perform tasks that a normal person would call easy. The use of musical therapy and its effects and works on Alzheimer's patients may be

Throughout my research, I have analyzed music therapy and the effects this can have with individuals who have depression, anxiety, autism, dementia, Alzheimer’s and many other mental illnesses that are rampant in our society. Music therapy is used to soothe an individual and create a relaxing environment.

Music is a wonderful Alzheimer's care tool, which can be used to connect with patients. Senior Care Transition Services in Dayton, OH, is an expert in such care resources, helping the elderly and their families find appropriate senior care options. Finding the right “fit” for senior care is especially important for patients dealing with dementia.

Music can change mood, have stimulant or sedative effects, and after physiologic process such as heart rate and breathing.

This article helps explain and break down exactly what music therapy is. Music therapy is a gentle, and effective form of actual therapy. Music therapy helps those in need of help mentally, physically, and emotionally. Whether the patient was domestically abused, raped, witnessed a tragedy, or anything. Therapists believe that music can help and solve anything. The article exclaims its importance to those who suffer from different forms of anxieties, depressions, and traumatic events. This article helps the reader understand specifically just how fully music therapy can help any situation, and anyone out of anything. The article also states the side effects

Music Therapy is a branch of therapy where music is used to benefit individuals. Qualified music therapists work with many different types of people and introduce them to music in order to help them. Individuals must go through schooling to become music therapists. Patients create music, sing, and listen to music. Music therapist are professionally trained and are able to use music to help those affected by mental illness, physical pain, and disabilities.

Following the developing of social sciences, everybody has started to get concerned about the issue if music is good for healthy body and mental recently. This phenomenon makes the music therapy becomes popular. Music therapy is defined as “ the therapeutic use of music as to reduce anxiety, improve cognitive functioning, promote physical rehabilitation, or enhance interpersonal communication that typically involves listening to music, singing, playing musical instruments, or composing music “ in the Merriam-Webster.com. In other words, through the activity of music people can improve physical or psychological disease that achieves cure and health.