This is an interesting article that shows how music helps older adults with dementia. Music therapy is described as a "drug with no side effects." As a music therapist I have seen this ring true with clients I have worked with throughout the greater Salt Lake area here in Utah. http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/23/the-songs-they-cant-forget/?_r=0 #music #therapy #musictherapy #dementia #olderadults #healthcare #slcutah #SaltLakeCity #Utah #musicanddementia #musicth

It was a gloomy, overcast, cold January day. I entered the memory care center where the residents were shuffling into the room. They sat down and I asked how they are doing today. They all appeared sad and said "ok" or "not so good". Then I started singing and playing my guitar. One by one the residents joined in singing and playing maracas to the music. After a few minutes I looked around the room and every single residnent had a wide grin from ear to ear on his or her

One of the powerful things music therapy does is help bring people together in a shared experience. Music therapy helps to raise the quality of life and increase happiness by creating opportunities for socialization. It is also a great way to help improve social skills through social songs. Here is an interesting article that shows the science behing singing and the way it helps bond people together. http://mic.com/articles/127865/new-study-finds-singing-brings-people-toge