Musings of a Dance/Movement Therapist

Alzheimer's Disease International - a New Website

Alzheimer's Disease International website is a wonderful new resource "where people with dementia, care partners, professional care givers, medical professionals, Alzheimer's Associations and others can share experiences and ideas."

One example from this site comes from Dr. István Kappéter MD, special education and pedagogy psychology teacher from Hungary: Corvinus University, Budapest; Psychiatric Nursing Home in Tápiógyörgye. He has Lewy Body dementia since 1995 and Alzheimer’s disease since 2005.

"We have to get over the idea brought to us by people considering themselves as liberals, that being individuals, taking into consideration everyone’s wishes, feelings and personal interests is the most important thing. This idea was a logical reaction to the old feudalistic approach where everyone was instructed to live according to the orders made divine by different religions and churches. It is true that lack of liberty sets back growth, because it oppresses all initiative. But as it turns out, a wholly individualistic society sets back growth just the same. The more crafty and lucky can create an order, where they influence the markets and become distinctly more wealthy and powerful than others – they control power and are able to tell others how and what to do.  I am convinced that in the – postindustrial – societies of the future, people with wealth and power above a limit should be obligated to use their resources and power in a way useful to all of humanity. One of the most important tasks for them is to organize the establishments allowing the living together of young and old people."

Clearly people with dementia can still have a great deal to teach the rest of us. And this is only way example.

"Gray comatose wasteland of disembodiment" ~ wonderful description in Mark Walsh’s passionate video on The Disembodied Mess We’re In.

It's wonderful to hear someone who thinks as I do that much of the ills of the world begin with disembodiment.

The Piano Guys Gets Elders to Boogie

Now this is what I mean!

 

This lively, entertaining music gets elders up on their feet and engaged in living! You can see by the end that the staff begin to dance with them. This is what dance movement therapy looks like (the dancing part), but the great thing about it is that they are dancing in relationship in a dance therapy session. 

So get the Piano Guys and a dance therapist and your seniors will be FEELIN' GOOD. Go to www.adta.org for more about dance therapy, and at http://www.adta.org/Default.aspx?pageId=378243 you can find information about DMT with Older Adults, with Dementia, with Parkinson's and more.

Labor Day Marks 5 Year Anniversary of Start of Octaband Business

Octaband Celebrates 5 Years in Business Today

Labor Day

 

It was on Labor Day, 2006 that I first offered the Octaband for sale. However, it was about 6 years prior that I created the first Octaband when working as a dance movement therapist with people with mid to late stage dementia. You can read about what motivated me to design the first Octaband on the Octaband website.

In the past 5 years, the Octaband has been discovered, purchased, used and loved by many around the globe. If you have an Octaband, we'd love for you to share how you're using it so that others can also benefit.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OCTABAND.

Dance as Innovative Therapy for Dementia

This was posted online about innovative treatment for dementia.

Leanne O’Neill presented a paper at the Aged and Community Services Conference in Perth. Leanne told Conference delegates about the Dance Movement Therapy program at IRT Dalmeny, which provides an innovative way to engage with people living with dementia.

“Throughout history, within every culture, dance has provided a means for self expression, movement and the celebration of tradition,” Ms O’Neill said.

“Dance Movement Therapy has its basis in the origins of dance; encompassing a holistic experience that exercises the body and invigorates the soul.”

IRT Dalmeny introduced a Dance Movement Therapy program in 2008 with resounding success.

“Our residents really enjoy participating in the program, which provides positive outcomes for people living with dementia in residential aged care,” Ms O’Neill said.

Tangible long term benefits of the program include:

• increased opportunity to exercise and self determination
• greater social interaction
• increased oxygenation and muscle tone
• improved mobility

“Analysis of the trial period also identified benefits relating to improved cognition, increased sensory awareness and sustained emotional wellbeing,” Ms O’Neill said.

“These outcomes were facilitated by the dance therapist, and were achieved through the provision of opportunities for reminiscence, touch, relaxation and intellectual engagement.

Ruth Zipporah at Danspace Project

Ruth Zaporah

via www.danspaceproject.org

This looks wonderful. Wish I could be there.