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

This week I'm sharing a news story that shows how music therapy can help children with disabilities. Music therapy has been proven to be successful with this population to help improve motor, cognitive, social, and communication/speech skills. Music has ways of building new neuropathways and is sometimes able to access damaged parts of the brain. It is also a fun, non-threatening form of therapy that people tend to respond well to. http://www.ozarksfirst.com/news/education

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