Mewsic Moves Presentation
Harmonizing Minds:
Music, Alzheimer’s & The Brain
Opica Adult Day Care Center - June 1, 2024
Additional Resources and Downloads
Downloads:
Music Intervention Examples:
Reminiscence Therapy:
Description: Using music from the patient’s past to trigger memories.
Example: Playing songs from the patient's youth to stimulate conversation and recollection of personal history.
Singing and Vocal Activities:
Description: Encouraging patients to sing along to familiar songs.
Example: Group sing-alongs or individual singing sessions to promote engagement and verbal skills.
Instrumental Play:
Description: Using simple instruments to create music. ie. piano, xylophone, ukulele, paddle drums
Example: Playing hand-held percussion instruments to improve motor skills and provide a sense of accomplishment.
Movement to Music:
Description: Facilitating movement or dance to music.
Example: Gentle dancing or rhythmic movements to enhance physical coordination and exercise.
Personalized Playlists:
Description: Creating custom playlists tailored to the patient’s musical preference and needs.
Example: Curating a playlist of the patient’s favorite songs to play during daily activities to reduce anxiety.
Music in Early Stages, Middle and Later Stage Alzheimer’s:
Through the progression of Alzheimers music can play various roles and have different outcomes.
Early Stages:
Music is used more to reminisce and have more meaningful associations and memories to music, artists and/or events/people in their life.
Be aware that early brain changes can also affect the person’s perception of music and may feel differently toward a song or artists than in their past.
Middle to Later Stage:
Music can help with gait, instability and motor planning.
Music is used to boost mood or help regulate a persons behaviors or emotions.
Music is used to help connect and be present with others
Music can help facilitate memory from past experience that maybe associated with the song or artist.
Music can also sooth and provide comfort
References:
Särkämö, T., et al. (2008). "Music listening enhances cognitive recovery and mood after middle cerebral artery stroke."
Chang, Y.S., et al. (2015). "The effect of music therapy on depression and anxiety in patients with dementia."
Raglio, A., et al. (2008). "Effect of music therapy on behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia."
McDermott, O., et al. (2014). "The importance of music for people with dementia: the perspectives of people with dementia, family carers, staff and music therapists."
Here are some instruments I’d recommend:
Music Therapy Examples with Alzheimer's Patients
Music and Dementia Care - Mayo Clinic
Music Therapy Helping Dementia
Music Therapy and Alzheimer’s - Nordoff Robbins
Music Therapy in Late Stage Alzheimer’s
Thank you once more for participating in my workshop. I trust you are motivated to initiate music as a tool in your work at Opica. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions, need additional support and more. I am always a resource! email me: john@mewsicmoves.com
We also offer community free events like drumming and family support. Please sign up for our newsletter so you can stay informed and join us in our free community music events.