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Randy Eady
  - Joined on 08-14-2008
- Posts 1
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Re: Article: Music and the Mind: A Different Kind of Dementia Therapy
Quite informative and wonderful background information for the work that we are doing with integrative approaches and alternative therapies.
While the article draws the distinction between active and passive, we are also exploring the directed and non-directed dimensions of ambient energy (music and sensory stimulation). Since the tonic-effect of ambience on sensory-deprived brains has only recently come under empirical scrutiny, these approaches are best looked at in an intergrative medicinal way: set up to promote well-being without medication.
For that reason, many health professionals and caregivers find that active, non-directed stimulation can be beneficial for Alzheimer’s patients suffering from agitation and the need to wander. Lighting, sounds, and smells can be individual adapted and we have found that is helpful for those suffering from ’sundowners syndrome’.
I hope that some of the references below will be helpful to you as well:
A colleague and are conducting dual presentations at the 2008 International Conference on Culturally Responsive Disability Services, October 6 and 7, Niagara Falls, NY and the European Congress/Workshop on Kangaroo Mother Care Method, 8-11 Oct., Uppsala, Sweden.
The first conference is co-sponsored by The Center for International Rehabilitation Research Information and Exchange (CIRRIE) at the State University of New York at Buffalo and the University of Toronto's International Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation. The second is supported by Uppsala University Hospital (Akademiska sjukhuset), Sweden.
These presentations represent a continuation of two year's of workshops (drum-circle activity) at the Solar Weekend Festival in Roermond (Netherlands) within a uniquely configured "Womb-Room" environment. During this weekend we sustain a continuous "heart-drum" beat of 60-70 bpm (Doppler-aided) for 72 hours and immerse sets of participants (some with special needs and conditions) in this ambient percussive environment to synchronize (entrain) heart rhythm for a potent wellness effect. We have been replicating (to a lesser extent) this effect in drum circle activities at personalized-care and assisted-living facilities.
Our Presentation Overviews:
Title: Drum Circles - Therapeutic Rituals of Solidarity: Singular and in Community
(Cultural Anthropological Illustrations of Mind-Body-Spirit Integration employing principles of Pow Wow Drum/Dance celebrations in contemporary assisted living residences for seniors with Alzheimer and Dementia) By R. T. Eady, Ed.M, NCC, Asst. Professor and Former Course Chair, Cultural Anthropology, USAF Academy, and Founder/Director, The Quest Educational Foundation and Richard R. Loder, Ph. D., Director, Native American Studies, Syracuse University
Abstract
Vibration, music, rhythm -- said to be the first language that arrives in sensate form to the body. The primordial link to a burgeoning social journey that begins in the womb and carries through to late stages of life. To appreciate and understand this indivisible truth -- at an elemental level -- this discussion explores the effect of ambient energy (as music) in relation to its biological wellness effect on communal gatherings in specialized living settings. Elaborates on how music represents a universal language, used for thousands of years as a culturally responsive avenue to healing. Specifically focusing on drum protocols of immersion and how drums have been used as an egalitarian "instrument of the people" tool for ceremonial and festive communication regardless of musical training or level of ability/disability. Includes a brief anthropological explanation of how rites of passage (ROP) and rituals of solidarity (ROS) form the basis for homeostasis and help maintain well-being and social harmony.
Akademiska sjukhuset (Uppsala University)
7th Annual Workshop on KMC Method Research Abstract:
European Congress/Workshop on Kangaroo Mother Care Method, 8-11 Oct., Uppsala, Sweden
Sponsored by: Akademiska sjukhuset (Uppsala University Hospital)
CAN DRUM CIRCLES MIMIC KANGAROO MOTHER CARE IN ENRICHED-CARE ALZHEIMER'S AND DEMENTIA CENTERS?
R.T. Eady, Quest Educational Foundation
Background: Research has shown bio-molecular benefits of ambient sound that mimics the maternal heartbeat. Additionally, studies are affirming that hormone enhancing activities that help release serotonin and Atriol Neuriatic Factor (ANF) assist with the process of strengthening the immune system and new brain cell growth called neurogenesis.* This neurogenesis appears most prevalent in the hippocampus--a region of the brain associated with learning, memory and stress-related emotions and appears to benefit those at the most earliest and latest stage of life.²
Aim: Since stress floods the brain with certain hormones (glucocorticoids) that are known to suppress neurogenesis, (especially in the hippocampus), it seems reasonable to consider that an integrative lifestyle that reduces stress would be beneficial to growing new neurons and helping with development/cognition.
Material and Methods: Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) involves two essential components: skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding. It is the former that speaks to a primordial appreciation for heart-beat rhythm.³ Focusing on drum protocols of immersion it has been shown in drum circle format (that corresponds with proximal heart contact) that precise shifts of brain function are achieved. Using a Doppler-aided, steady percussion of 70 beats per minute, drummers within 5 cm of each other restored natural rhythms of the body and brought about synchronized heart rates that corresponded with a mood calming effect.
Results: Understanding the anthropology of neurological development in social bonding brought about a biological wellness effect on communal gatherings in specialized living settings.
Conclusions: Ongoing research indicates recreational music making that mimics heartbeat synchronization may serve as a calming activity that boosts serotonin and perhaps neurogenesis.** It reaffirms our need to design health care and adjust routines to ensure that primary support recognizes neurobehavioral/developmental needs.
*Recreational Music-Making Modulates the Human Stress Response: a preliminary individualized gene expression strategy, Barry Bittman, MD, et. al., Medical Science Monitor February 2005, Med Sci Monit, 2005; 11(2): BR31-40
² Composite Effects of Group Drumming Music Therapy on Modulation of Neuroendocrine-Immune Parameters in Normal Subjects Barry B. Bittman, MD, Lee S. Berk, MPH, DrPH, David L. Felten, MD, PhD, James Westengard, BS, O. Carl Simonton, MD, James Pappas, MD, and Melissa Ninehouser, BS, Alternative Therapies, Jan. 2001:7(1):38-74 ³ Christensson K, Siles C, Moreno L, Belaustequi A, De La Fuente P, Lagercrantz H, Puyol P, 1992. Temperature, metabolic adaptation and crying in healthy full-term newborns cared for skin-to-skin or in a cot. Acta Paediatr 81: 488-493.
**Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 277: H1762-H1770, 1999;
Vol. 277, Issue 5, H1762-H1770, November 1999
Musical rhythms in heart period dynamics: a cross-cultural and interdisciplinary approach to cardiac rhythms H. Bettermann1, D. Amponsah2, D. Cysarz1, and P. van Leeuwen3
1 Department of Clinical Research, Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus, 58313 Herdecke, Germany; 2 Biochemistry Department, University of Sciences and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; and 3 Research and Development Center for Microtherapy, 44799 Bochum, Germany
Quest Ed. Foundation acknowledges the generousity of EKHO Heart Rate Monitors for their donation of an E-10 Class Pack for this study. www.ekho.us
Thanks again and best regards.
Randy
R.T. Eady
Quest Ed. Foundation
P.S. - A capstone presentation of this work is scheduled for the Environments for Aging Mar '09 Conference in Boston, MA.
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