Music Therapy In Dementia Patients: Try An IPod To Aid With Memory Recovery!

I not long ago saw a story on the Wall Street Journal website related to the use of music therapy in dementia patients. The writing indicated that one of the criticisms of iPods is that people who use them are inclined to avoid conversations with other folks and remain in an insulated universe of their own. However, recent monitoring of stroke and dementia patients are disclosing that iPods and other MP3 players in many cases have the reverse result.

By listening to some old familiar music, advanced Alzheimer's patients can reconnect with their memories and with each other in some remarkable ways, especially for folks with degenerative brain disorders. To illustrate, as stated by the Journal, listening to rap and reggae on a borrowed iPod every day prompted a 28-year-old stroke sufferer to learn to walk and use his hands again.

In another instance, a 52 year-old man who fell out of a fourth-floor building site and suffered a crushed larynx became so charmed with music that he wrote 400 songs and made four albums. An 85-year-old dementia patient in Florida listens to her beloved opera and Yiddish songs every day on an iPod with a home health aide or her daughter when she comes to visit. According to her daughter they listen for about one-half hour a day and "It seems to touch something deep within her."

Caregivers have been aware for many years that music therapy in dementia patients can be profoundly efficacious. They have observed for decades that Alzheimer's sufferers can remember and sing songs long after they have stopped knowing names and faces. Hospitals and nursing homes have been using music as diversion for a long time, because it causes patients pleasure. Moreover, beyond the delight value, there is important evidence that listening to music can also help stimulate apparently lost memories, and even help restore cognitive function in some cases. (via IPod Therapy for Alzheimer's Patients, WSJ.com)

As a golden-ager myself I am a big fan of iPods and equivalent devices for senior citizens. I myself have an iPhone, which is pretty much an iPod with a telephone built into it. I am aware that many of you will be dubious because you think such devices are too difficult for seniors. However, as research as shown, using complicated devices can be quite effective in minimizing memory loss due to aging. Now we have determined that the musical features can be helpful even for those who have already begun to experience cognitive decline.

Well, okay, you might decide not to actually leave an iPod in the hands of a person who is experiencing dementia, but such a device can certainly be used, under supervision, to provide the kinds of music therapy in dementia patients set out in this article. Technology can be very helpful for those who are willing to be imaginative and attentive in applying its use. IPod music therapy in dementia patients is a perfect illustration.

Why Is Testing For Dyslexia So Important? And What More Do You Know When You Have Taken A Dyslexic Test?
It is estimated that there are more than 2 million adult dyslexics in the U.S., that do not know they are dyslexic. A simple dyslexic test could tell for sure, and set them on the path to overcoming dyslexia completely....

Perhaps There Is A Best Hemorrhoid Treatment Available In The Market Which Is Effectual With Respect To Both Internal And External Hemroids?
Those who suffer from hemorrhoids are constantly looking for better treatments, ways to relieve and stop the pain and discomfort they suffer. There is an ongoing quest to find the best hemorrhoid treatment, which is what this article is all about.

Full Face Respirator To Help Shield Your Complete Face From Unhealthy Contaminants
When you use a Full face respirator you assure yourself that you are protected from the harmful contaminants, pollutants and allergens that fill the air.

Dust Masks To Prevent The Breathing Of Unhealthy Allergy Causing Dust Particles
Dust masks will help to keep you away from harmful gases, vapors and fumes that abound all around us. If you notice, due to environmental harm, there are more and more toxins and pollutants all around us.

Protect And Safeguard Yourself From The Toxins And Also Disease Germs Surrounding You
When you buy yourself an N 95 mask you buy yourself the peace of mind that ensures that you know that you have done all possible things to safeguard yourself against the travails of contaminants, allergens and pollutants that abound the environment.

Several Helpful Information For Tackling With Fibromyalgia Disease
Nearly 7 to10 million American adults are suffering from fibromyalgia syndrome today. It may be a result of accidental injury or it may even happen spontaneously.

Infusion Remedial Measure For Fibromyalgia: What Is It And Find Out If It Is Effective
Fybromyalgia is a Painful, chronic condition that affect many people every year. One of the treatments receiving attention in recent years is infusion treatment for fibromyalgia. But what are infusion treatments and why do they work?

Is There An Effective Detox Diet Plan That Will Assist To Treat Fibromyalgia
There is no known cure for fibromyalgia, and many of the treatment options cannot effectively bring the relief that many patients desire. This is why many people have turned to alternative methods for treating this chronic condition, and some of these options have met with success.

Assessing Generic Medication Versus Brand Name Drugs
We all know that there are a great deal of pharmaceuticals on the marketplace of the world that we live in. It seems that for every problem any of us could ever have there is a great medication that can help alleviate it.

More Articles

Blogroll

Home | Sitemap | Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Service

Copyright © 2006 - All Rights Reserved.