Using Music Therapy to Help a Client With Alzheimer's Disease Adapt to Long-term Care

P. Kydd

Journal

American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease & Other Dementias

Year

2001

Volume

16

Issue

2

First Page

103

Last Page

108

Abstract

The purpose of this case study is to illustrate how music therapy can be used to help the elderly successfully adjust to living in a long-term care (LTC) facility. LTC residents, particularly those with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia, may exhibit behaviors such as depression, withdrawal, anxiety, emotional liability, confusion, and memory difficulties, frequently related to the disorder, but often exacerbated by difficulty in adjustment to the change in lifestyle. The subject of this case study demonstrated these symptoms. Music therapy helped him adjust to life in a LTC setting by improving his quality of life and enhancing his relationships with those around him. As chronicled in this study, music therapy may facilitate a resident's adjustment to life in a LTC facility. N.B. Names and identifying information have been changed to protect privacy.

Music and Health Institute Terms

Alzheimer's and Related Dementias; Anxiety; Cognitive Abilities; Confusion; Depression; Elderly; Long-Term Care Facility; Memory; Music Therapy; Neurodegenerative Disorders; Quality of Life

Indexed Terms

Adaptation, Psychological; Elderly; Elderly; Alzheimer Disease; Depressive Disorder; Long-Term Care; Quality of Life; Social Environment

Study Type

Case Study; Qualitative Methods

Disciplines

Music Therapy

PubMed ID

11302070

Document Type

Article

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