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Local Caregivers Learn About Music Therapy

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Contributed by: Michelle Erfurt on 8/31/2009

On Tuesday, August 25, members of the Caregiver's Education Group learned about Music Therapy with those diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Michelle Erfurt, board certified music therapist, gave an interactive presentation to educate the group on the field of music therapy and positive benefits of treatment. "Music therapy has been found to help those diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease by decreasing agitation and increasing cognitive activity, communication, emotional and social skills." Michelle Erfurt explains. "Structured music interventions are used to engage the person and work on specific goals to improve their quality of life." The group participated in a variety of music therapy interventions such singing, playing instruments as a group, and dancing to live music.

"Everyone thoroughly enjoyed and learned from the presentation," Stated Donna True, Community Education Coordinator of the Alzheimer's Association. "The attendees really were able to cast their troubles to the side and get lost in the music."

Music Therapy is the evidence-based use of music to help people improve social, emotional, physiological, communication and cognitive skills by a trained professional. Music Therapy first began in the United States when live music was found to help hospitalized veterans suffering from physical and emotional trauma. Currently there are 70 universities offering music therapy degree programs and over 5,000 board certified music therapists in the United States. For more information on music therapy or to request a presentation for your group, contact Michelle Erfurt, MT-BC, at 614.832.8664.

The Caregiver's Education Group is a monthly support group offered through the South East Florida Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. It takes place on the last Tuesday of the month, 2:30-4:00 pm, at the Mayes Center for Hope location of Treasure Coast Hospice. Meetings are open for those interested in caregiver education and support. For more information contact Donna True, LCSW, at 800.861.7826 ext 1.

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