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Dementia And Music Therapy Article
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Do You Know the History of Music Therapy?
from:For most people, the history of music therapy is not nearly as important as its ability to help them with their problems. But knowing where this particular therapy came from will help you understand why it does work and how it might work for you. The history of music therapy goes further back than you think – even though it seems like a newer innovation in the therapy business.
A case could be made for the history of music therapy going as far back as biblical times. By using music as a part of religious rituals, it seems that positive things happened or that people were reinforced in their specific belief structures. Because music was a part of this process, it seems that music therapy was having an effect already – even if it was unintentional. Many tribal cultures have also used music as a part of their fertility ceremonies, to worship their gods, and to help with illnesses. In each of these cases, it may be said that the music itself was the motivating factor in helping the patient achieve positive results.
Others believe the history of music therapy began in the late 1800s. There is also evidence the music therapy was used in the post World War I treatment of traumatic injuries. By playing music, patients seemed to heal faster – both emotionally and physically. In listening to the music in the background, patients reports less pain than they had had before the music was turned on. With these positive results, it became clear to doctors and nurses that music really could be therapeutic for a number of patients.
With these positive results, the history of music therapy began to turn to training people to become music therapists. By creating college and university programs which taught music therapy, more psychologists and therapists were able to share this simple and effective technique with their patients. The American Music Therapy Association was developed and multiple academic publications are now available for professionals in the field.
Music therapy today focuses on helping address a variety of concerns in a number of settings. Not only is music therapy used in conjunction with physical therapy, but mental health professionals are finding that music helps relax their clients as well as stimulate conversation. In addition, nursing homes, hospice centers, and rehabilitation facilities are all finding that music therapy can work in conjunction with other activities they have planned.
The history of music therapy may stretch back to times long before our parents and grandparents, but that must mean that it's doing something right – and that you might want to look into it yourself.
Dementia And Music Therapy News
Cerabino: Music gets minds moving in dementia patients - Palm Beach Post
 Palm Beach Post | Cerabino: Music gets minds moving in dementia patients Palm Beach Post For six years, Cohen has been discovering the magical effects of music on nursing home residents who are suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. "The biggest challenge is to find the right music for each person," Cohen said. |
For Glen Campbell, others with Alzheimer's, musical memory can linger - The Republic
For Glen Campbell, others with Alzheimer's, musical memory can linger The Republic Knowing that Campbell's dementia has been advancing for so long, it is remarkable that he is still able to perform music night after night as part of his current "Goodbye Tour," from old favorites such as "Wichita Lineman" and "Rhinestone Cowboy" to ... |
Revived by Music - New York Times (blog)
Revived by Music New York Times (blog) By PAULA SPAN Maybe you're among the millions who've watched and forwarded this video of an unresponsive 94-year-old with dementia, slumped in his wheelchair at a nursing home in Brooklyn. But when a staff member puts earphones in place and clicks on ... |
Music brings back memories for people with dementia at monthly Berlin dance - The Guardian
 The Guardian | Music brings back memories for people with dementia at monthly Berlin dance The Guardian "That's a foxtrot," he says, raising his index finger in recognition of the big band music that has just started up. "That's my sort of dance." The 78-year-old retired electrical engineer who has a form of dementia, probably Alzheimer's, takes his cue ... |
Iraq war veteran Leo Dunson uses rap to treat his PTSD - Press of Atlantic City
Iraq war veteran Leo Dunson uses rap to treat his PTSD Press of Atlantic City In Wisconsin, New Jersey, California and other states, government doctors in recent months have launched experimental music therapy programs that rely on the smoothing sounds of classical or acoustic music to help veterans get well. But Dunson, now 26, ... |