Music Therapy for Neurodegenerative Disorders

Alzheimer’s, Dementia & other related disorders

The term “neurodegenerative diseases” is an umbrella term to encompass a variety of conditions that affect the brain.

What’s considered a neurodegenerative disorder?

• Alzheimer’s disease and other memory disorders

• Parkinson’s disease

• Huntington’s disease

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

• Motor neuron disease

How does music therapy help?

Board-certified music therapists assess the strengths & needs of individuals to develop music therapy treatment plans taking in consideration music interventions/experiences & techniques to achieve wellness goals. Music-based therapeutic interventions in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases can include:

• therapeutic singing

• therapeutic instrument playing

• guided movement activities

• adapted instrument lessons

• active & passive music listening

• composing music or writing song lyrics

Because music provides familiarity, predictability, and feelings of security, music therapists utilize music-based therapeutic interventions to provide cognitive & sensory stimulation to support increase individuals’ physical, mental, social, and emotional levels of functioning, as well as:

• overall quality of life

• help with memory recall

• provide a sense of autonomy and independence

• support positive changes in moods and emotional state

• increase in verbalizations and vocal fluency

• increase socialization

• increase or maintain gross & fine motor functioning

• help in the management of pain and discomfort

Watch this video example of a music therapist working with an individual with Dementia:

Interested in music therapy?