This article,
Musical therapy is making breakthroughs in this morning's LA Times is very inspiring. In addition to being inspiring in its own right, it gives me hope that some day the MIT Media Lab might look at the work that dance plays in healing.
One comment I'd like to make is about the statement, "Music is usually the last thing Alzheimer's sufferers recognize." I think he means that recognition of music is usually the last thing they lose. Most of the people with dementia with whom I work seem to enjoy music. But music alone does not provide healing. It is the relationship and the interaction which brings healing.
I ran a dance therapy group yesterday for elders with dementia about whom I've written in previous articles. It had been several months since I've seen these folks. Two or three of them recognized me upon seeing me. Another recognized me only after I approached her and warmly greeted her. It took her a few seconds, but I saw the recognition in her eyes. I had about 20 people seated in a circle, some with eyes closed, others watching. When I first put on the lively recorded music, a few tapped their toes. I put ribbon wands into their hands, and with a nurse assistant and activities person helping me, they began to move their arms. I mirrored each person, gazing into their eyes, either from across the circle or right up close and expanded their movement or contrasted, doing whatever it took to make their movement just the tiniest bit bigger. I was looking for a brighter affect, more engagement.
I played music with slightly different moods, from different time periods and cultures, but music that most would recognize. I was trying to capture their interest through variety. I played with them, and their eyes brightened as they recognized that. One Polish woman who spoke no English, new to the group and who initially refused to shake my hand, communicating clearly her disdain of me, saw that even though we couldn't speak the same language, I could see her. She could participate on her higher level of cognition as we played with changing leadership of movement.
Gradually, as I changed music, props, put a felt crown on my head, then put it on one of their heads, shook my booty and shimmied with some of the residents one by one got the residents to their feet who were able to dance with me or the other staff. I used the music to change and build the group energy even while using a balloon.
One woman and one man remained unresponsive to the music. They did not appear to even hear the music. However, they responded to me, and to my facial facial communications. And the man responded to the balloon.
It was a beautiful site to see. Communicating nonverbally with each of them, yes using music, but more than that, using dance and movement to engage them. Letting them know that I valued each of them - it was that which engaged them. And the depth of engagement that we had with each other drew the other staff in, from administrators to nurses, cleaning people - everyone who walked by either danced by or danced into the circle.
I love my peeps and am so grateful to have the opportunity to dance with them. If only we could find the funding to do the research that would show the efficacy of what we dance movement therapists do, perhaps every dementia facility would employ DMTs.
Recent Comments