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Music Therapy Helping those with Dementia

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Age UK has hailed the benefits of music therapy for those suffering with dementia.

For those who have lost conventional means of communication, music has been proven as a way to express themselves by clapping, humming or responding to rhythm, something that human beings inherently respond to.

Studies have already shown that musical activities can reduce stress and improve overall well being in otherwise unresponsive individuals.

Clare Garebedian is a cellist who has been investigating the effects of music on people who are otherwise uncommunicative at the University of Stirling.

She said: “The simple activity of listening to music with at least one other person can engage and connect the listeners; regardless of their cognitive or physical status.

“Music has the capability of creating a sonic environment wherein listeners can be transported away from their current pain (be it psychological, emotional, or physical).

“Even when someone can no longer talk, music becomes an avenue for communication and engagement. It seems to access parts of the brain that remain unaffected by the ravages of dementia.”

The news comes as the healthcare sector struggles to cope with Britain’s aging population. According to figures released by the Alzheimer’s society, 850,000 people are afflicted with the condition in the UK alone, with that figure projected to rise to over two million by 2050.

Live music in particular seems to have the best effect. Ms Garabedian added: “In my practical and research experience, live music is always more effective if the musician is trained and has experience with understanding subtle non-verbal cues, so they can quickly respond to the listener by adjusting the volume, tempo, music genre, or allow space for silence.

“However, recorded music can be as positively effective; again, if the person providing the music is trained and has experience with understanding subtle non-verbal cues, and is ready to respond and engage with the listener.”

Professor Paul Robertson of the Medici String Quartet has invested years into studying the effects of music on those with dementia, and believes that music can help people access memories that would otherwise remain buried.

“We know that the auditory system of the brain is the first to fully function at 16 weeks, which means that you are musically receptive long before anything else. So it’s a case of first in, last out when it comes to a dementia-type breakdown of memory,” he said.

Ms Garabedian believes more could be done to utilize music therapies by carers. She added: “The UK has a growing population and there is a real need now for non-pharmaceutical solutions.”

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Daniel James
www.danieljamesbio.com
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