043. Explaining Music Therapy for Seniors With Dementia

Music is popular for people of all ages, even seniors. 

For those with dementia, music has the power to stimulate memories of the past and ease their troubled minds. Some may even be able to play the piano though they’ve lost the ability to speak.Dr. Nicki Cohen is an expert music therapist who began her career in 1978, when the specialty was still relatively new. She explains how music therapy is used to connect with clients with memory impairments such as dementia. 

Musical experiences help with long-term memory even for those who have trouble having conversations. Plus, it helps people connect with the individual - and helps the individual connect with themselves.

Topics discussed:
- Dementia
- Music therapy for seniors
- Managing memory impairments
- Tomatis® method
- Stimulating memory with music
- Insurance and music therapy

Takeaways from this episode:
- Even if a senior with dementia is having trouble speaking, they may still be able to sing. Song lyrics are stored differently in the brain than conversational speech.
- Long-term memory lingers longer than short-term memory and just needs different triggers to stimulate it - like music.
- The Tomatis method can be used in people with dementia to keep their brain healthier as it builds up the brain by switching between 2 different ways of transmitting sounds.
- People tend to respond better to music that is familiar and live. They connect better and feel the vibrations and emotions.
- If the person with dementia is agitated, playing softer and gentler music can bring joy.
- People with dementia regress faster if they don’t work through some unresolved, pent-up emotions. Music can help release them.
- Music therapy is not just playing music. It’s a trained profession that involves sensitivity to the individual’s unique needs.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Nicki Cohen, PhD, MT-BC
https://musictherapyandimagery.com/https://twu.edu/music/faculty-and-staff/nicki-cohen-phd-mt-bc/
Video of Gladys Wilson and Naomi Feil:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrZXz10FcVM

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