1. Music therapy and alzheimer’s
Music therapy, the use of music to calm and heal, cannot slow or reverse dementia. But it may improve quality of life for both a person with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregiver. Clinical reports suggest that music therapy may reduce wandering and restlessness and increase chemicals in the brain that enhance sleep and ease anxiety. For example, the chemicals melatonin, norepinephrine, and epinephrine increased in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s after they listened to live music regularly. Mood also improved after listening to the music.
2. How to use music therapy to fight alzheimer’s
There are several practical recommendations on how to use the music therapy for the better possible outcomes, while fighting Alzheimer’s:
* Identify music that’s familiar and enjoyable to the listeners.
* Use live music, tapes or CDs; radio programs, interrupted by too many commercials, can cause confusion.
* Use music to create the mood you want.
* Link music with other reminiscence activities; use photographs to help stir memories.
* Encourage movement (clapping, dancing) to add to the enjoyment.
* Avoid sensory overload; eliminate competing noises by shutting windows and doors and by turning off the television.
* Try to listen to about 30-40 minutes of music a day, for at least five days each week.
Thanks posted by Michael Pekker (AKA Nesher) – alzheimers-review
Music therapy for alzheimer’s patients
