Alzheimer's, Dementia & the Healing Power of Music (Singalong Therapy) (ePub)

After incredible success with my Singalong Therapy; working with a lovely woman named Karen, and several small groups of elderly, I was inspired to write this workbook with companion mp3s and journaling pages. I could not believe the amount of improvement I would see from week to week; merely from trying to sing along with the patient, and helping them to remember lyrics from songs the patients heard while growing up. I would encourage them to do light stretches with their arms, while sitting. It's very important that the caregiver or loved ones sing along with the patient; going one or two songs at a time, then encouraging the patient to talk (maybe even tell a story about their childhood, etc.!) Usually, the patient's speech begins to return to them. One person was moving around without their walker after just one week! Quote from Bree Johnston; PHD, MD, MPH: 'Music is a source of joy for humans. For patients with dementia who lose the ability to enjoy many of their former activities, music can have a special role in connecting them to pleasant memories, feelings of happiness, and humanity. Music reduces symptoms of depression, anxiety, and agitation among patients with dementia; which can also help their caregivers. We don't have many treatments for that which are as safe and spirit-affirming as music; so it is a therapy that is almost always worth trying. I am delighted that Cheryl Hodge, a brilliant jazz musician, is offering this program to persons experiencing dementia (and their caregivers). I strongly recommend this program. Enjoy!'