The Role of Song in Music Therapy with Elderly People - with a Focus on Those Suffering from the Effects of Dementia.

Kathryn Nall, 2001

Abstract

'Music is essentially a social activity involving communication, listening and sharing. These skills may be developed within the musical relationship with the therapist and, in group therapy with other members. As a result clients may develop greater awareness of themselves in relation to others. This can include developing greater confidence in their own ability to make relationships and to find positive ways of making their needs known. It can greatly enhance their self-esteem.' Association of Professional Music Therapists (Leaflet 2000). 'An Introduction to Music Therapy'.

The effects of dementia include an increasing difficulty to communicate verbally, as a person's ability to find the words they need becomes a struggle. In the later stages of the disease, words and syntax may become almost unrecognisable. The use of music therapy offers a way of making communication possible, both with the therapist and with other members of a therapy group. Familiar tunes and songs appear to remain intact in people's memories long after the ability to speak fluently has been lost, and these can be used spontaneously and creatively within music therapy to provide an accessible medium through which to enhance interactions between people.

Psychologist Kitwood (1997) believed that improving the quality of interactions for people with dementia should be the principal item in any new agenda for care practice. Kitwood describes in detail 12 types of positive interactions that are necessary for social integration.

Music therapy offers a way to facilitate positive interactions. Within the context of music therapy I hope to show that song, both pre-composed and improvised, has a key role to play in the process of enhancing the quality of interactions. In this way song, as used in music therapy, can make a significant contribution to the improvement of the quality of care for elderly people suffering from the effects of dementia.

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