Role of Music Therapy in Dementia Care Topic of UW-Led YouTube Program

“The Role of Music Therapy in Demetia Care” is the topic of the latest edition of “Once Again,” the YouTube channel program hosted by the University of Wyoming’s Wyoming Center on Aging (WyCOA).

Zane Rutledge, a board certified music therapist and music therapy supervisor at VIBES Fine & Performing Arts in Casper, discusses how music can be an important boost to the quality of life of the person diagnosed with dementia. He explains the topic in part two of a video that is now available and can be found on Wyoming Dementia Together’s (WDT) YouTube channel here. The program also may be found through the YouTube search feature by accessing “Wyoming Dementia Together - Once Again.”

Viewers are invited to subscribe to the channel and hit the “like” button. Both actions will help the channel grow and reach more caregivers of loved ones with dementia. Comments and questions from viewers are encouraged in the section below the posted interview.

In the program, Rutledge says the memory care sessions have had success in improving the lives of those living with dementia.

“Even those who have lost the ability to communicate verbally often are able to remember lyrics to their favorite songs or tap their feet to the music,” he says. “The benefits of these sessions often improve their emotional well-being days after the session concludes.”

Rutledge includes four aspects into the music therapy sessions, which can be provided privately in-home or publicly in a community or nursing home setting.

“When possible, we like to have the individual reminisce. We want to know more about their favorite songs and some memories associated with those songs. Then, if possible, we introduce movement into the session,” he adds. “It’s beneficial to see them respond physically to the rhythm. We also use part of our time to pass out percussion instruments so they can tap tambourines or shake maracas. Finally, we like to include the caregiver in each of these three activities.”

Videos of actual music therapy sessions are included in the two-part program. Part one also is available on the WDT “Once Again” program.

“Once Again” is coordinated through the WYCOA-sponsored WDT group, which includes dementia care professionals, licensed clinical social workers, physical and occupational therapists, and caregivers.

For information about free services offered by WDT, call WyCOA at (307) 766-2829 or email wycoa@uwyo.edu.

For more information, go to the WDT Caregiver Network website.