Henry Shows Music Therapy Can Work
In March, I published an article on the benefits of music therapy for seniors who have suffered cognitive decline due to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Last week, I came across a video about a resident named Henry who lives in a nursing home, and has Alzheimer’s disease. Henry’s response to his favorite music played on a iPod has made this video go viral. Check out the story about Henry below! It is pretty remarkable.
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Benefits of Music Therapy for the Seniors
I cannot think of one person I know that dislikes music. It is true that we all have different taste when it comes to music, but most people would say they enjoy it. I certainly have a great affinity for music. I listen to it at work, in my car, in my home, in the shower, and at the gym. There is something about the rhythm that keeps me in sync with life. When I think about it, my life has a soundtrack. When I hear certain songs, I know around what year the song was released because I recall what was going on in my life at the time. Many of us may recall listening to certain songs in high school to help us to get through a tough breakup- or to wallow in it. We may recall the songs we listened to while driving across country in college. Or, we may remember the first song we danced to at our weddings. We might even hear a certain song and it would remind us of a love one who is no longer with us. Music is certainly powerful. It affects our moods, and it ignites our senses. But is music medicine? Yes, some might say it is.
It is call Music Therapy, and it is great for seniors! Music Therapy is considered alternative health care in the allied health profession. This therapy requires a professionally trained music therapist. Typically, music therapists would have obtained a degree at a university in this field. Music therapy is a interpersonal therapy that uses music to improve or maintain quality of life. The theory is that music stimulates the mind and spirit. Music therapist work to improve an individual’s health in areas of kinesiology, cognitive functionality, and behavioral and mental health. The therapy is conducted one on one or as a group activity.
The focus is on the use of music in a variety of ways such as singing, clapping, listening, moving to music (dancing), free improvisation or a discussion on music. Usually benchmarks and objectives and goals are established. Music therapist work with children, stroke victims, the mentally disabled, and the elderly. Some of our residents at Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Marietta, Ga. participate in a music therapy program. Residents in both of our community neighborhoods in our assisted living in Marietta, Ga. and across Atlanta have engaged in music therapy for cognitive needs and occupational and physical rehabilitation.
Music Therapy is unique because unlike other therapies that affect the human body, Music Therapy is considered both an art and science. There are qualitative and quantitative research, and data to measure outcomes. This therapy involves several fields such as musicology, music therapy, and clinical therapies. Music Therapy can be prescribed by a physician, psychiatrist, or recommended by a psychologists, physical therapists, or occupational therapists.
Benefits of Music Therapy
- Improved awareness and concentration
- Improved memory and recollection
- Happier outlook on life
- Increases mobility and coordination
- Diminishes pain and improves recovery time
- Promotes relaxation and reduces stress
- Enhances interest levels and social interaction
Source for Benefits of Music Therapy: Music Works Wonders
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Fun Ways to Keep Your Brain Active and Healthy
The emphasis on eating healthy and exercising to help our bodies perform at it is optimum extends beyond Dogwood Forest, our assisted living in Marietta, Ga. Many of us focus on exercising. We watch our calorie intake, sugar intake, and salt intake. We do intense cardio on the treadmill and sweat it out in spin classes. We also lift weights to build our muscles. But, what about the part of our body that keeps us all functioning copacetic. This organ is the source of our emotion, appetite, and our ability to move. Yes, I’m referring to our brains. Ask yourself, are you neglecting your brain?
At Dogwood Forest in Marietta, Ga. ,we strive to engage our resident’s minds because not only do we age physically, but mentally. We know the importance of exercising and stimulating the brain and this is why we have programs like 5 Sense Therapy. The more we use our brains, the more we can protect against cognitive decline. The other great thing is the more we use our brains the more neurons we develop. Did you know we can continue to develop new neurons as we age? So, how do we exercise our most vital organ?
The first goal in giving your brain a workout is to use it. No, I’m not being sarcastic. We need to keep our brains stimulated and the way we stimulate the brain is to give it new things to do. For instance, many of us have played games like Scrabble, Suduko, chess and the classic Rubiks cube. Playing fun games is like sending your brain through a mini bootcamp! A recent study from the University of Calgary, showed middle aged (50′s) competitive Scrabble players brain’s performed better than college age kids who are at their cognitive peak. The scrabble players were able to recognize words much quicker, vertically and horizontally, and could weed out the words that weren’t words at all. The study revealed, that it’s never to late to start training your brain. Suduko and chess works on your reasoning and logical thinking skills. The Rubiks cube improves your spatial intelligence. There are plenty of other games that can get your brain active. If use them quite frequently in Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Marietta, Ga as well as our other locations. They also have new computer programs that target brain activity. So there are a wealth of options.
Aside from games and programs, there are other things that we do on a regular basis that would be helpful in getting our brains moving. Try brushing your teeth with the opposite hand you typically use for instance. Memorize your grocery list. Put down your calculator. Listen to classical music; which several studies have shown that music therapy is excellent for the brain. These are all easy things you could do to get your brain juice flowing. We use our brains for everything of course, so really, the options are endless!
Stay tuned for more articles on brain exercise!
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World Alzheimer’s Day Celebrated on September 21
The entire month of September is celebrated as Alzheimer’s Month, making it a time to rally support for Alzheimer’s and all of those affected by it. September 21st marked the annual date for the international World Alzheimer’s Day. Throughout the year, preparations and decisions are made which pertain to the theme of the day and the activities that will be practiced around the world in an attempt to raise awareness about dementia. Dogwood Forest, an assisted living community in Marietta, GA, encouraged seniors and their affected families to celebrate World Alzheimer’s Day. Assisted living facilities in Marietta, GA focus on individual events and participation each year, raising awareness for their residents and those around the world who suffer from the disease. All Dogwood Forest commemorated the event with activity geared to raise Alzheimer’s awareness.
“Faces of Dementia” Are All Around Us
This year, the theme for World Alzheimer’s Day is “faces of dementia.” It is through this theme that people will be asked to recognize the trials and tribulations faced by those who are suffering from this disease. World Alzheimer’s Day is meant to promote support and proper care for those involved with Alzheimer’s; it is on this day that people around the world unite, that organizations in support of Alzheimer’s join together in an attempt to actively engage people in the activities which promote a better understanding of the disease and the research needed to finally find a cure. Those who have loved ones living with alzheimer’s in know all too well that there are far too many of those “faces of dementia” surrounding us today, and that it’s the responsibility of the younger generations to ensure that these seniors receive the care and proper encouragement they need and work toward a cure.
World Alzheimer’s Day is a Source of Hope
There are organizations around the world involved in World Alzheimer’s Day each year, and with increased media support, the overall coverage has proved extraordinary in terms of making a difference for those people who are suffering from dementia. The significance of World Alzheimer’s Day should not be underestimated. No matter where seniors reside, whether it be in the homes of their loved ones or in assisted living facilities in Marietta, GA or across the nation, they will find support coming in from all around them. It is a day which unites people suffering from dementia, their families, their caretakers, their friends, researchers, medical professionals, and the media all over the world in an attempt to globally coordinate awareness and work toward a cure. This coordinated message speaks to governments and policy markers around the world, reminding them of the serious health issue presented by dementia and urging them to better understand the severe implications dementia has on health systems and services in every country. This effect on health systems continues to grow with the growth of populations. By incorporating a new message or theme each year, World Alzheimer’s Day can be used to educate people about the misconceptions and challenges associated with dementia and the search for a cure.
World Alzheimer’s Facts
By observing World Alzheimer’s Day, Alzheimer associations everywhere can gain increased recognition as well as credibility for what they do, giving them a more powerful position from which to influence the opinions of governments and leaders. This way, they can achieve greater visibility and persuade more people that finding a cure for Alzheimer’s should be a top priority. The effects of the day trickle down to assisted living facilities, where many sufferers of dementia and Alzheimer’s reside. Some assisted living residents in Marietta at Dogwood Forest find that after World Alzheimer’s Day, people tend to be more patient, understanding and helpful. As such, the effectiveness of the day is incredibly important. The success of World Alzheimer’s Day is measured by the number of countries that participate in at least one of the many events. It is also measured by the number of daily visitors to Alzheimer sites from individuals who want more information. Additionally, media impressions and inquiries received as well as the increase in individuals who join Alzheimer associations can contribute to whether the day can be considered successful and effective.
How You Can Help
ADI, the organization that founded World Alzheimer’s Day, is responsible for seeking financial support and for distributing materials around the world. These materials allow members to organize country-specific events. On World Alzheimer’s Day, ADI encourages other organizations to become members and to organize events in their area. After the event, they release a report on the events which took place and the success of each. If you want to participate, you can organize local events by contacting the Alzheimer’s association in your country and/or state by making donations to help fund repeat events. It is not a perquisite to have dementia or to be caring for someone with dementia to participate in events or host events in honor of World Alzheimer’s Day. With more people participating, awareness is raised about dementia, and we step a little bit closer to eliminating the disease altogether.
How World Alzheimer’s Day Affects Assisted Living Facilities in Marietta, GA
This day is especially significant for those who have families affected by dementia because it gives them an opportunity to spend time with others who understand what they and their loved one are going through. Many of those who place their elder loved ones who suffer from Alzheimer’s in assisted living in Marietta, GA grapple with feelings of helplessness, and coming together on one day a year to show their support can make all the difference in the world. By promoting research, support, understanding and compassion through a growing initiative to fight the disease, Alzheimer associations can see tangible results on World Alzheimer’s Day.
Dogwood Forest Marietta Can Provide the Nurturing Environment You’re Looking For
Seniors living in Georgia who suffer from Alzheimer’s and/or dementia deserve to lead a peaceful, safe lifestyle within a diverse, active and nurturing community. Dogwood Forest’s Marietta location is one of few assisted living facilities that can provide this lifestyle, offering non-drug methods for supporting and helping those who suffer from this debilitating disease. Contact Dogwood Forest Marietta for more information.
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