Singing For Alzheimer Patients

Here's an exerpt from an article from Jane Elliot in the BBC News, about the power of singing therapy on Alzheimer's patients. Personally, I've been working with Parkinson's patients for several years now, and see dramatic results in their ability to speak more clearly and powerfully after singing therapy. Their sense of well-being and confidence increases as they are able to communicate more clearly. Their depression also lessens when they can be heard and understood with less effort or frustration. Singing seems to have the ability to bypass the speaking areas of the brain, making the ability to access lyrics and melodies more readily available to those with Alzheimer's and dementia. Singing has proven to unlock the brain and help patients re-learn communication skills.

Here's an exerpt from the article:

Clive Ballard, director of research at the Alzheimer's Society and Professor of Age Related Diseases at King's College, London, said singing as an activity did seem to help people with dementia.

"People seem to enjoy doing something jointly with other people and there is a lot of evidence that being socially engaged is good for people with dementia."

He said the part of the brain that worked with speech was different to the part that processed music, allowing those who had lost their speech to still enjoy their music.

Mr Ballard said rhythm had also been shown to be beneficial, particularly for those with diseases like Parkinson's where movement was a problem. He said listening to rhythms, even just a metronome, could help.