According to the Mayo Clinic, Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia, most commonly found in older adults (between the ages of 65-85). Loss of memory is one of the main symptoms and typically results in the loss of a strong social agency (Mathews 574). Memory loss, emotional depression, confusion, erratic behavior, and social withdrawal are only some of the components to this disease (Mayo Clinic). Alzheimer’s disease was the main focus of this research project as it is the most common of dementias. However, in conducting research, it was necessary to include the general concept of dementia in relation to music therapy as this has been a common focus in studies conducting the efficiency of music therapy. Dementia is a neurocognitive disorder in which a person suffers loss of memory, motor skills, speech, and sensory processing. Hanne Mette Ridder and Elisabeth Gummesen, conducted an explorative case study in which they acknowledge the four main symptoms of dementia: amnesia, apraxia, agnosia and aphasia ( “The use of extemporizing in music therapy to facilitate communication in a person with dementia: An explorative case study” 8). The lack of verbal comprehension that stems from this often leads to fear, depression, agitation, etc (Ridder and Gummesen 9). In his article “Music-evoked emotions: principles, brain correlates, and implications for therapy,” Stefan Koelsch discusses how loss of social contact can lead to negative health issues and a shorter life expectancy (198). While this is in consideration of those with autism, I concur that this is also relevant to the discussion of Alzheimer’s disease. Loss of speech, leads to loss of social communication and isolation. A loss of “your story,” is what Steve Mathews quotes of famous neurologist Dr. Oliver Sacks in relation to severe dementia (“Dementia and the Power of Music Therapy” 573). Mathews states, “…when dementia sufferers begin to ‘lose their story’ they thereby lose the capacity for closeness with others,” (575).
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. The Mayo Clinic website provides preventatives to Alzheimer’s disease, such as exercise and diet as well as a description of the two most common drugs used in treatment: Cholinesterase inhibitors and Memantine (Namenda). However, as the Mayo Clinic states, both of these drugs have side effects that could result in dizziness, confusion, agitation, etc. As Alzheimer’s continues to increase it is important to consider alternative approaches to treatment that are proving themselves successful, such as music therapy.
Music Therapy and Its Benefits to Alzheimer's 