The term dementia describes the
symptoms of memory loss and cognitive decline associated with many different
conditions/diagnoses. Some of these diagnoses include:
• Destruction of brain cells such
as with Alzheimer’s (the most common) and some other neurological diseases
• Vascular dementia which results
from disruption of blood flow such as occurs with strokes
• Traumatic brain injury, which
can include repeated mild to moderate concussions (as in some professional
football players who have developed dementia) or a single very significant head
injury
• Frontal-temporal dementia,
affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain — the areas generally
associated with personality, behavior and language.
• Long-term, chronic drug and
alcohol abuse
With the various types of
dementia, this process of information connection and retrieval is disrupted.
Recognize the value of some very
new research and programs that seek to improve the lives of people living with
dementia. Much of the current research focuses on the value of music, art,
dance, and social connections in treatment of dementia.
Two of those incredibly valuable initiatives are featured
here: Memories in the Making which is a program developed by the Alzheimer’s
Association and Music & Memory a program developed by Dan Cohen and his
organization of the same name.
Art Without Boundaries is an innovative program that enables
persons with Alzheimer’s, stroke, brain injury and related disorders who are
experiencing losses in their ability to verbally communicate their thoughts and
feelings, to express themselves through art.
Certified facilitators help people with dementia – many of whom often
have no art background – create drawings and paintings. These sessions provide
participants social interaction and boost their self-confidence while opening
the channels of communication with loved ones.
Art Without Boundaries has been part of our Juniper Village
at Naples community for five years.
Each year we celebrate with an annual art show featuring the resident
artists.
Research shows that persons with dementia, Parkinson’s and
other diseases that damage brain chemistry can reconnect to the world and gain
improved quality of life from listening to personal music favorites.
The power of music can spark compelling outcomes even in the
very late stages of the disease. Research also concludes that music can shift
mood, manage stress-induced agitation, stimulate positive interactions,
facilitate cognitive function, and coordinate motor movements. This is due to
the fact that rhythmic and other well-rehearsed responses are influenced by the
motor center of the brain and require little to no cognitive or mental
processing. A person’s ability to engage in music remains intact late into the
disease.
In selecting music for a Music & Memory program, music
from the individual’s young adult years (18 to 25) typically have the strongest
responses and the most potential for engagement. As individuals with dementia
progress into the later stages of the disease, music from their childhood, such
as folk songs and nursery rhymes, work well.
Juniper Communities is proud to be part of both the Memories
in the Making program through the Alzheimer’s Association and the Music &
Memory program started by Dan Cohen. To learn more about these programs
visit our website and download the full version of this white paper.
