28th Annual Student Research Conference
The Healing Power of Music: An Exploration into the Relationship Between Music and Dementia
Megan E. Hueber
Dr. Jocelyn S. Prendergast and Dr. Julie Lochbaum , Faculty Mentors
Found in millions of Americans, dementia is a major neurocognitive disorder, which often results in the loss of memory, judgment, orientation, and the ability to communicate effectively, requiring high levels of supervision and personal care by others. Though there is no cure for dementia, various medical, behavioral, and alternative treatments have been used to ease the symptoms experienced by individuals with dementia. Among these treatments, music therapy has slowly reached its way into the spotlight of researchers around the world as an effective therapy in the treatment of the symptoms of dementia. For example, studies have indicated that personalized music evokes an emotional response within the listener, and can reduce agitation levels of dementia patients. This research highlights studies indicating that music can improve the mood, orientation, and memory in individuals with dementia.
Keywords: Music, Dementia, Disability, Memory
Topic(s):Music
Disability and the Arts
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 208-5
Location: OP 2117
Time: 12:00