Music Therapy

Introduction In this research paper, the effectiveness of music therapy on the cognitive degenerative disorder of dementia will be evaluated. To support the contention that music therapy is effective in treating the symptoms of dementia, research documenting this therapy’s impact on memory, emotions, and behavior will be examined. In order to provide a greater understanding of music therapy and dementia, these terms will be defined. Second, research will be examined to determine music therapy’s impact on the psychological and behavioral issues associated with dementia. Finally, a summary of music therapy’s benefits and an evaluation of its effectiveness in treating individuals afflicted with dementia will be discussed.
Music therapy Music therapy is the clinical use of music intervention to accomplish individualized goals that address the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of patients (American Music Therapy Association). According to the American Music Therapy Association, the idea that music can be used for healing purposes has existed for centuries; however, it was not until the 1950s that the discipline of music therapy emerged as a formal discipline. In the United States, the healing effects of music were not recognized until doctors and nurses in Veteran Administration hospitals observed the positive physical and emotional responses of injured soldiers (American Music Therapy Association). Music therapists are trained to assess the strengths and needs of individuals in settings that include hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. Based on their evaluation of each patient’s mental and physical health, the therapists develop treatment plans that involve creating, singing, moving to, and/or listening to music (American Music Therapy Association). By participating in music therapy, individuals’ cognitive abilities are strengthened, which helps them to improve their functioning in other areas of their lives (Schmidt