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KJW - Music For A Better Life - Sensory And Cognitive Interventions For Elders: The Value of Music For Connecting with Persons with Dementia
by Kathy Ward
Reference for this article:
Sensory processing; is the ability of the brain to process all sensations so that we can interact adequately with our environment. These sensations may come in many different forms, like heat, cold, sounds, pain, smells, visuals, the feel of clothing on our skin, sensations of movement, etc.
Cognitive therapy; focus on the ability to think, remember and reason.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy; is an action-oriented form of psychosocial therapy that assumes that maladaptive, or faulty, thinking patterns cause maladaptive behavior and "negative" emotions. (Maladaptive behavior is behavior that is counter-productive or interferes with everyday living.) The treatment focuses on changing an individual's thoughts (cognitive patterns) in order to change his or her behavior and emotional state.
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MUSIC has proven itself to be a very effective means for connecting with persons with dementia and enabling them to reach better levels of functioning and well-being. Music can help induce changes in behavior evoking pleasant memories producing a soothing effect in anxiety or agitation. Music can encourage social engagement and physical activity.
Choosing slower music with less than 72 beats per minute (the normal pulse rate of most people with dementia, however not all pulse rates are the same, not all people respond to music the same way. The most important thing is to find programs that actually work for each individual therefore, test and evaluation is encouraged).
Slower music combined with breathing exercises is a great relaxation intervention. The key to musical selection is not just the type of music but the memories it evokes in the particular person with dementia. Music can transport individuals to a happier time when the individuals past experiences, cultural background and preferences are taken in to account.
Melodies with this magical tempo have helped to: enhance restful sleep, reduce the need for anesthesia in surgery, speed learning, lower blood pressure and boost immune response.
Music helps to:
* Promote healing
* Boots creative thinking and idea generation
* Enhance the power of visualization and meditation
* Improves concentration
* Memory stimulation
* 60 beats per minutes rhythm helps to calm reducing heart rates and automatically creates more alpha brainwaves
* Music can also has the power to energize, relax, evoke memories and emotions, promote physical movement, and inspire.
Find what kind of music a person prefers that evokes positive feelings and useful behaviors for the person. One more time, active listening is the key to better understand how to help and choose appropriate and meaningful interventions that meet the interest of the persons we are helping.
Music is a natural medium for addressing these concerns. Music has the power to energize, relax, evoke memories and emotions, promote physical movement, and inspire.
Music therapists utilize music as a "co-therapist" to meet the specialized need of the population they are working with. Research has proven that appropriate music activities can help improve orientation, enliven memory and help persons retain or develop new skills. Music helps promote social interaction through one-on-one and group participation, physical exercise through dance and movement to music activities, good breathing and posture with singing, and communication and emotional expression through songwriting. Music is a natural medium for addressing these concerns. Music has the power to energize, relax, evoke memories and emotions, promote physical movement, and inspire.
In a recent music therapy group with elders, we asked the question: "What do you like about music?" Here are some of their responses:
"Music...makes us happy, makes us dance, is great emotional therapy and good memory exercise, cheers us up, feels like twinkle toes and when you sing you are always happy!"
Involve family members and interdisciplinary team members, brainstorm and decorate a space for music programs. Music spaces can include a CD player, radio, piano or other music instruments, tactile and visual stimulation like posters of famous singers the person knew when they were young, family photos related to music, can complement the auditory experience. Remember that sensory overload can cause anxiety. Eliminate competitive noise and adjust the volume to a level where everyone can enjoy it.
Planning nature walks with music, excursions or an afternoon game in the garden with friends can be fun and meaningful. The benefits of interaction with nature and music for older adults with cognitive impairment can: reduce risk of stroke, alter chemical activity related to moods as well as stress response, improve balance, help reduce social isolation, help reduce hypertension, encourage reminiscing, and other useful ways.
When testing and planning an intervention please keep in mind:
* goals and objective of the program
* size group
* location, light, environment, ventilation and over stimulation
* supplies and material necessary
Frequency: as the number of times per week the activity is performed.
Duration: as the time invested performing the program
Mode: as specific interventions during the activity, for example, walking, games, dancing or sing-a-long, reading, nature photography, etc.
Music is an inexpensive way to nurture a better quality of life for everyone.
Sing-a-long with a happy song
Don't Worry, Be Happy
by Bobby McFerrin
Don't Worry, Be Happy
From the Movie "Cocktails"
Performed by Bobby McFerrin
Here is a little song I wrote
You might want to sing it note for note
Don't worry be happy
In every life we have some trouble
When you worry you make it double
Don't worry, be happy......
Ain't got no place to lay your head
Somebody came and took your bed
Don't worry, be happy
The land lord say your rent is late
He may have to litigate
Don't worry, be happy
Lood at me I am happy
Don't worry, be happy
Here I give you my phone number
When you worry call me
I make you happy
Don't worry, be happy
Ain't got no cash, ain't got no style
Ain't got not girl to make you smile
But don't worry be happy
Cause when you worry
Your face will frown
And that will bring everybody down
So don't worry, be happy (now).....
There is this little song I wrote
I hope you learn it note for note
Like good little children
Don't worry, be happy
Listen to what I say
In your life expect some trouble
But when you worry
You make it double
Don't worry, be happy......
Don't worry don't do it, be happy
Put a smile on your face
Don't bring everybody down like this
Don't worry, it will soon past
Whatever it is
Don't worry, be happy
Peace be with you!
Kathy J. Ward
Co Founder of WEL, World Elder Land™
Therapeutic Recreation Consultant
National Assisted Living Administrator Certified
Board Member, Activities, Adaptation and Aging Journal
Ambassador of Happiness For Elders
Alzheimer's Association Speakers Bureau
Cell: (240) 393-5456
Connection@KathyJWard.com
www.KathyJWard.com/blog
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