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Sep
2

What do music and Alzheimer’s have in common?

MP900309144Alzheimer’s patients often become withdrawn, confused, violent and/or combative. This is thought to be caused by their inability to be able to communicate and express what it is that they want or need. It has been noticed that music can promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, enhance memory, improve communication, and provide unique opportunities for interaction.

Music is a form of sensory stimulation, which provokes responses due to the familiarity, predictability, and feelings of security associated with it. Research in music therapy supports the effectiveness of interventions in many areas such as facilitating movement and overall physical rehabilitation, increasing motivation to engage in treatment, providing emotional support for clients and their families, and creating an outlet for expression of feelings. Because music is a powerful and non-threatening medium, unique outcomes are possible.

Music therapy can provide:

? A forum to share common experiences and enjoyment as a couple or family

? Meaningful time spent together in a positive, creative way

? Relaxation for the entire family

? Unity and intimacy for families through verbal and nonverbal interaction

? Respite for the caregiver

Why Music Therapy?
The wife of a man with severe dementia said, “When I was encouraged by a music therapist to sing to my husband who had been lost in the fog of Alzheimer’s disease for so many years, he looked at me and seemed to recognize me. On the last day of his life, he opened his eyes and looked into mine when I sang his favorite hymn. I’ll always treasure that last moment we shared together. Music therapy gave me that memory, the gift I will never forget.”
Dr. Oliver Sacks, at the Hearing before the Senate Special Committee on Aging entitled, “Forever Young: Music and Aging,” stated: “The power of music is very remarkable… One sees Parkinsonian patients unable to walk, but able to dance perfectly well or patients almost unable to talk, who are able to sing perfectly well… I think that music therapy and music therapists are crucial and indispensable in institutions for elderly people and among neurologically disabled patients.”
A gentleman in the early stages of progressive dementia improvised on a xylophone during a music therapy session to express his feelings, and then stated: “I don’t know how anyone can live without music.”
A frail 93 year old woman, referred for music therapy after being diagnosed with major depression, said: “Now, there is no need to be morose. I can have my music here with me and listen to it whenever I want to feel young.”
When a couple danced together for the first time after five years of the husband’s deterioration from probable Alzheimer’s disease, the wife said: “Thank you for helping us dance. It’s the first time in three years that my husband held me in his arms.” Tearfully, she said that she had missed him just holding her and that music therapy had made that possible

A gentleman in the early stages of progressive dementia improvised on a xylophone during a music therapy session to express his feelings, and then stated: “I don’t know how anyone can live without music.”

Outcomes:

? Positive changes in mood and emotional states

? Sense of control over life through successful experiences

? Awareness of self and environment which accompanies increased attention to music

? Anxiety and stress reduction for older adult and caregiver

? Stimulation which provokes interest even when no other approach is effective

? Structure which promotes rhythmic and continuous movement or vocal fluency as an adjunct to physical rehabilitation

? Emotional intimacy when spouses and families share creative music experiences

? Social interaction with caregivers and families

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