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Annotated Internet
Dementia & Music Therapy
Internet Address: http://www.alzheimers.com/L3TABLES/L3T11051.HTM
This site explores the fact that caregivers must attempt to control the demented individual’s behavior. The 6 "R’s" are discussed: restrict, reassess, reconsider, rechannel, reassure, and review. The site also provides suggestions for dealing with specific behavior problems common with dementia. Knowing the behavior problems commonly seen in conjunction with dementia will assist the music therapist in anticipating the client’s needs.
Internet Address: http://www.alzheimers.com/L2TABLES/L3T10413.htm
Taking care of the person with Alzheimer's Disease
This site comprehensively explores issues that caregivers must be aware of when caring for the demented patient. Issues addressed include legal and financial issues, preparing to be a caregiver, environmental modifications to consider, helping the person let go of independent living, managing activities of daily living, managing behavior problems, and nursing home issues. Of greatest interest is the section on managing the activities of daily living because music therapists must be aware of the needs of the demented patients before music can be used therapeutically.
Internet Address: http://www.seorf.ohiou.edu/`af313/Brain/Music/therapy.htm
This site provides an example of an experiment with results indicating that dinner music, particularly soothing music, can reduce irritability, fear-panic, and depressed mood and can stimulate demented patients in nursing homes into eating more. The effects of the music intervention were assessed by psychological ratings and by weighing the food helpings. During all types of music that was played during the experiment, the patients ate more in total. The music therapist may use this information to assist in the collaborative care of the demented client with poor intake.
Internet Address: http://www.st.rim.or.ip/`bfl/eresult4.html
This site studies the effect of music therapy on a slightly demented woman of 79 years old. Figures are provided depicting the effects of the music on the woman’s brain while listening to music followed by playing chimes and bells and then having music played. As soon as the music starts, the mental stress starts to reduce, and gradually levels of joy and mental relaxation increase. This effect remains for up to two minutes after the music therapy, and then the mental stress felt by the woman appears again. This information is useful for the music therapist because it provides rationale behind the use of music with dementia clients. The rationale is often needed by the music therapist to implement music therapy in the first place. We need a reason to be using music therapy, a reason for its prescription.
Internet Address: http://www.nh.ultranet.com/`alzease/theway.html
Alzheimer's Ease
This site discusses the testimony on the benefits of music therapy with the elderly as discussed on August 1, 1991, when the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging met with music therapist, doctors, musicians, nursing home residents, and family members. Senators were interested in the prospect of providing services for Older Americans that would not only elicit optimal functioning and well-being but also be cost effective. This site discusses the idea that music is a lifeline for the patient with Alzheimer’s disease. The site supports the idea that Alzheimer’s patients need meaningful music to do for them what their damaged brains can no longer do which is to organize and make incoming stimuli comprehensible. Music can be used as the key to help unlock memories and former personalities. This site is useful for music therapists to use to enhance their ability to advocate the use of music therapy for clients in need.