Friday, August 19, 2011

Music Therapy and Dementia by Rashida Keith

For most people, music is often an enjoyable art. This makes it a medium of therapeutic value, holding a unique place among the arts with its fun and entertainment.

Almost everyone has associations and emotions tied with music. Many people can recall a certain situation when they heard this music and how it made them feel. This is part of the reason why even those who are deeply demented are still able to respond to music.

The elderly population is one of the most common groups of people that music therapists often work with. When it comes to dementia, music therapy is one of the most successful interventions. It can serve a means of communication for those whose function of language has become challenged or almost totally lost. The elements of music, such as rhythm, pitch, and melody are all processed by many different parts of the brain, rather than just one center of the brain, as in language.

Millions of Americans suffer from memory trouble, but there is more that you can do more to help yourself or your loved one. Music in the home or on-the-go can stimulate the mind and exercise memory. It is meant to provide meaningful activity for those suffering with memory loss.

Apart from the obvious enjoyment of music, some music therapists identify four main benefits for those with dementia:
1. changes in facial expression and tension
2. increased eye contact
3. vocal activity
4. physical movement

Music therapy can be a dynamic approach in the care of people with dementia. It can help to soothe, calm, and comfort an agitated person. It can make them feel more secure and connected through smiles and laughter. Try it for yourself. See what you .

Be a VOICE for Alzheimer's by Dana Territo, Director of Services

In the United States, there are currently 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, and the disease currently affects nearly 40 percent of the population aged 85 and older. Roughly 13.2 million older Americans are projected to have Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia disorders by 2050.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is working to identify how to prevent ADRD (Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia disorders), and to address the challenges faced by people with these conditions and their caregivers. The National Institute on Aging leads the National Institutes of Health’s efforts in clinical, behavioral and social research into Alzheimer’s disease, aimed at finding ways to treat and ultimately prevent the disorder. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is working to implement the Healthy Brain Initiative, including assisting with monitoring the public health burden of cognitive impairment and enhancing understanding about how diverse groups perceive cognitive health. The Administration on Aging Alzheimer’s Disease Supportive Services Program is helping to create responsive, integrated, and sustainable service delivery systems for people with dementias and their caregivers.
In January, the National Alzheimer’s Project Act was signed into law after being passed unanimously through Congress. It is a law that requires the creation of a national strategic plan to address the rapidly escalating Alzheimer’s crisis and it will coordinate Alzheimer’s disease efforts across the federal government. The National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) creates an important opportunity to build upon and leverage HHS programs and other Federal efforts to help change the course of ADRD. The law calls for a National Plan for ADRD with input from a public-private Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Research, Care and Services. The Advisory Council will make recommendations to HHS for priority actions to expand, coordinate, and condense programs in order to improve the health outcomes of people with ADRD and reduce the financial burden of these conditions on those with the diseases, their families, and society.The National Alzheimer’s Association is seeking feedback about what should be included in the national plan so that they can make recommendations to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Have a VOICE in Washington D.C., by offering your opinions and sharing your challenges. The questionnaire takes just a moment and can truly make an impact in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. You can go to http://napa.alz.org to learn more about the issue and to share your feedback.