It's a diagnosis that we dread, both for our loved ones and ourselves: Alzheimer's disease. Although at first glance, it may seem that the disease has robbed a person of their sense of self, this is not always the case. Not all people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia entirely lose their sense of self. The feelings, emotions and memories of experiences that make them who they are may still reside inside of them. It's their ability to access this sense of self that now becomes the challenge.
Scientists at research organizations, such as the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF), have been studying the effects of music on the human condition for more than 30 years. And results have been promising. Now, technology is playing a key role in helping people with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia reconnect to their memories and their loved ones, if only for immediate and short periods of time.
As MP3 players such as the iPod have become more mainstream, they are being used as part of music therapy. A new program, called "Well-Tuned: Music Players for Health," is helping people who suffer from Alzheimer's disease...and it is music to caregivers' ears.
Professionals from IMNF will work with caregivers to develop a play list of music that is emotionally significant to the person with dementia. The play list is customized based on the elder's life experiences, cultural backgrounds and frame of reference. As with lovers who grow sentimental when "their song" is played on the radio, the right music stimulates the personal associations that it is connected with, sparking memory and renewed "presence." It is best to select music that is familiar, enjoyable and meaningful to the elder with dementia.