Music, art, pet, and other types of therapies can help enrich the lives of people with Alzheimer's disease. Pets, for instance, have been shown to reduce depression and boost self-esteem. Art provides an outlet for expression. Music stirs memories, emotions, and when accompanied by singing, encourages group activity.

• Identify music that's familiar and enjoyable to the listeners.
• Use live music, tapes, or CDs; radio programs, interrupted by too many commercials, can cause confusion.
• Use music to create the mood you want.
• Link music with other reminiscence activities; use questions or photographs to help stir memories.
• Encourage movement (clapping, dancing) to add to the enjoyment.
• Avoid sensory overload; eliminate competing noises by shutting windows and doors and by turning off the television.

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• Keep the project on an adult level. Avoid using crayons or anything else that might be demeaning or seem child-like.
• Build conversation into the project. Provide encouragement, discuss what the person is creating, and try to initiate a bit of creative storytelling or reminiscence.
• Help the person begin the activity. If the person is painting, you may need to start the brush movement. Most other projects should only require basic instruction and assistance. Use safe materials. Avoid toxic substances and sharp tools.
• Allow plenty of time to complete the art project.
• The person doesn't have to finish the project in one sitting.
• And remember: The artwork is complete when the person says it is.

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• Not everyone will react positively to animals. Those who owned pets previously tend to be more responsive.
• Match the animal's activity and energy level with that of the individual. For example, a lively dog might be appropriate for someone who can go out for a walk; a cat may be more appropriate for a person who is less mobile.

For more information about alternative therapies, contact the New York Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.
Click here to send us an e-mail, or call us at 646.744.2900. Also, please refer to the resource list provided by the Alzheimer's Association's Green-Field Library (132) 335-5767.

Source: Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association, Inc.

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The man with late-stage Alzheimer's generally spent most of his day pacing repetitively around his care facility, unable or unwilling to interact with those around him. Sensing an opportunity, music therapist Nancy Swanson, MT-BC, picked up her guitar, strummed a tune, and sang in a rhythm that matched his movements.

"He came over and began tapping the song's rhythm on my shoulder," relates Swanson, who practices music therapy at the Alzheimer's Family Care Center in Chicago and the Mather Gardens in Evanston, Illinois. "He stayed at my side for one more song, then went back to walking. The songs allowed him a few minutes to rest and connect with someone."

Such is the power of music therapy that, according to the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), continues to exhibit steady growth as a viable treatment for people with Alzheimer's and related dementia. The AMTA is a worldwide association whose mission is to promote the therapeutic use of music in rehabilitation, special education, and community settings.

"Music has always had a dramatic effect on people with Alzheimer's, but trained therapists can harness and target the power of music to address specific treatment goals such as decreasing anxiety and maintaining physical functioning," comments Al Bumanis, MT-BC, director of communications and conferences for the AMTA. "Though not a cure, music therapy enhances the quality of life for persons with Alzheimer's and their families."

Specifically, the AMTA believes the benefits of music therapy include:

• memory recall, which contributes to reminiscence and satisfaction with life
• positive changes in mood and emotional stress
• sense of control over life through successful experiences
• awareness of self and the environment that accompanies increased attention to music
• anxiety and stress reduction for the older adult and the caregiver
• non-pharmacological management of pain and discomfort
• emotional intimacy when spouses and families share creative music experiences

"Studies have shown that the progression of dementia can be slowed by involving people in specialized, skilled activities such as music therapy," adds Swanson. "But in general, it isn't the long-term benefit that music therapists look for but rather their clients' enjoyment and satisfaction of being 'in the moment.'

Degreed and board-certified specialists engage participants in making music, sparking a connection that can't be achieved by merely listening. Sessions are generally convened in small groups and are based on individual assessment and treatment plans, with goals and objectives implemented through different music therapy activities such as bell choirs and percussion ensembles. Prior musical ability isn't required, and any style of music is suitable, depending on the setting.

"Music therapy is not music to the group, it's music with the group," says Melanie Chavin, MT-BC, program director for the Greater Illinois Chapter and a music therapist. "It doesn't matter how well participants play the music - it will sound beautiful."

Adds Swanson: "Music is so powerful for someone with Alzheimer's because it communicates emotions and very deep feelings that sometimes can't be expressed in words. It can make the difference between withdrawal and awareness, between isolation and interaction."

"Just think if you were alone and isolated in your house or care facility, and you couldn't turn on the radio or play piano," Chavin concludes. "Your life would be so dull - you'd walk around, lost and anxious. When you see people with Alzheimer's engaging in musical activity, you see an amazing difference."

For more information:

Visit the AMTA Web site at www.musictherapy.org.

Source: Adapted from "Advances", a publication of the Alzheimer's Association, Vol. 22 No.3, Fall 2002

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