HJNO Mar/Apr 2024

52 MAR / APR 2024 I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS COLUMN  SENIOR HEALTH AROUND the world, Alzheimer’s disease affects an estimated 5% of men and 6% of women over the age of 60. And these statistics are only expected to rise as the global population ages. While the sad fact remains that Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, incurable neurological illness, there are certain pharmacological therapies that can be used to manage the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, including memory loss, depression, and agitation. However, as mentioned in an article in Alzheimer’s Research &Therapy , “The effect of music therapy on cognitive functions in patients with alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials,” the pharmacological therapies “have not always been effective in achieving long-term clinical efficacy.” 1 In light of this, many are turning to alternative therapies to go along with the medications prescribed for Alzheimer’s disease. One of the most effective and popular non-pharmacological therapies to help manage the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease is music therapy. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, music can be a very powerful tool when working with a patient or loved one that suffers from Alzheimer’s. 2 The American MusicTherapy Association describes music therapy as the use of music interventions that are tailored to the individual to meet specific goals, led by a credentialled professional that has completed an approved music therapy program. 3 Music therapists can use either active techniques or receptive techniques when working with a patient with Alzheimer’s. Active techniques include improvisation, singing, clapping, and dancing. An example of a receptive technique is the therapist playing a song The Benefits of Music Therapy for Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease