“If songs are one of the first things we learn, they might also be some of the last things we remember.” Dr. Kathy Johnson
Music plays a very important role in our lives adding to our sense of well-being, happiness and even our memory. Researchers have scientifically shown that people that have been exposed to music do remarkably better in many aspects of behavior and everyday life.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Many of us have known someone with Alzheimer’s disease or someone who has suffered a stroke. It is a devastating diagnosis that directly or indirectly affects not only the patient but loved ones and friends as well. Alzheimer’s disease affects the brain; slowly, silently erasing knowledge of who they are, turning their loved ones into strangers and their own home into unknown territory. Alzheimer’s disease can go on for a number of years and gets progressively worse. At the present time there is no cure. However, researchers are trying to find a cure that will forever eliminate the threat of this debilitating affliction.
Music Therapy
One way these patients are being helped is through music therapy. It addresses the physical, emotional, cognitive, psychological and social needs of individuals. After assessing the needs and strengths of each client, the therapist provides the indicated treatment including creating music, singing, using simple musical instruments, moving to or dancing and/or listening to music. These activities and others decrease wandering and disruptive behaviors among residents with Alzheimer’s disease at nursing homes.
Music therapy given to victims of stroke also showed improvement. Two groups were studied; one group received traditional therapy, the other group received music therapy. The music therapy group showed greater physical improvement toward walking in a shorter period of time.
“Music therapy can have a dramatic effect on people after a stroke or a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dr. Kathy Johnson, CEO of Home Care Assistance, Inc. “People familiar with language acquisition know this: melodies and songs are easy to learn and aid language learning. We can remember a song we have not heard in 20 years. That is because music memory is processed across many parts of the brain and is thus preserved better than language memory alone”. Music therapy has positive effects on people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and those recovering from a stroke who are relearning language skills. “If songs are one of the first things we learn, they might also be some of the last things we remember,” Johnson explained.
Music therapy is a relatively young field which was developed and established circa 1950. Through music it is designed to relieve stress and improve physical and emotional health. “While music therapy is an emerging field, music itself has many benefits for health and stress management, and can be used in daily life to promote wellness.” said Dr. Johnson. Music has inherent properties of sensory stimulation that induce positive responses in normal and at-risk behavior.
One of the leading proponents and founding fathers of music therapy was Dr. E. Thayer Gaston of the University of Kansas. Gaston helped established The National Association for Music Therapy which recommended the curriculum for colleges and universities. Training for music therapists usually includes a music major plus specialized courses in psychology among others.
The contribution of music therapy helping Alzheimer’s disease patients and stroke victims is well documented. Granted, it is not the “cure” that we all hope for, but it is one treatment that can make life more fulfilling and peaceful for countless people who are afflicted with these dreadful ailments.
Mark your calendar for the Danville Community Band’s annual free Spring Concert, Sunday, June 12th 3:00 at Community Presbyterian Church in Danville
Please submit your questions and comments to banddirector01@comcast.net
Visit our website at www.danvilleband.org for up-to-date information about the Danville
Community Band.
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