Press Release RHYTHM FOR LIFE COMPLETES COMPREHENSIVE ALZHEIMER'S RESEARCH PROJECT The purpose of this study was to describe the rhythm playing characteristics of persons who receive institutional care and who have a diagnosis of Dementia, including those with probable Alzheimer's type. It was designed to provide descriptive information that contributes viable and efficacious music therapy programming for persons with a diagnosis of Dementia. This was the first field-based music therapy study of its kind to involve a sample of 28 participants diagnosed with Dementia in the late stages. The study was based on preliminary clinical research conducted by music therapist, Alice Clair, Ph.D., and Barry Bernstein, over the past five years. Results of this preliminary work demonstrated that persons in the late stages of Dementia often discontinue their participation in most traditional activities but continue to participate in activities offering structure through rhythm. Successful participation in rhythm-based playing provides opportunities for appropriate social interaction and sensory stimulation in persons who require continuous care. The study looked at participants' abilities to play in time with others, learn new rhythm patterns, and increase duration of playing over time. Also considered were accessibility of different types of drums and the influence of a trained music therapist on overall participation levels. When: The study took ten months to complete. Sessions were conducted from June, 1992 to March, 1993. Where: The study was conducted at the Colmery O'Neil Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Topeka, Kansas. Research Team: Alicia Clair, Ph.D., Director of Music Therapy Department, University of Kansas and VA Research Associate, Barry Bernstein, Registered Music Therapist, VA Medical Center and Clinical Program Director of Rhythm For Life, Gary Johnson, Registered Music Therapist, VA Medical Center and Martha Hoover, Registered Music Therapist. Approach: In this study 28 subjects served as their own controls. They participated in two weekly 40 minute sessions over an eight-week period. Data were taken for their responses in sessions 1,2,15, and 16. Outcome: It was concluded that the structure provided by the music therapist made a marked difference in the amount and accuracy of playing involvement. That difference was immediate and increased over time, as long as the structure was provided by the music therapist. In addition to accuracy and levels of participation, subjects increased their complexity of participation over time. They learned new drumming strokes and those who could imitate rhythm patterns increased the complexity of those pat terns over time. While all drums yielded success, the ones which required participants to play with a mallet in one hand without holding or positioning the drum seemed to be the most accessible. The results of this study indicate clearly that persons with dementia severe enough to require institutional care can participate successfully in rhythm-based activities. That success is contingent, however, upon services provided by music therapists who are trained to deliver appropriate programming. The information obtained from this study will be used to design, implement and evaluate rhythm-based programs for music therapists working with persons who have a diagnosis of Dementia, including Alzheimer's Disease. This study validates the use of rhythm-based programs as a useful tool in offering persons with Dementia an improved quality of life. Background: The Rhythm For Life project was formed as a result of the August 1, 1991 U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing, "Forever Young: Music and Aging," at which experts testified on the therapeutic benefits of music with elderly Americans. Mickey Hart, noted drummer and author, testified to the particular importance of rhythm and drumming as an activity for older persons. In particular he urged the formation of drum circles for the elderly. Rhtyhm For Life was formed by a unique coalition of individuals and groups including Mickey Hart, the National Association for Music Therapy, the National Association of Music Merchants, and Remo, Inc. The goal of the project is the creation of therapeutic and recreational drum groups on a national level which will use music therapists with specialized training in drumming and percussion techniques along with professional percussionists to expand opportunities for drumming experiences to various groups in communities, including the frail and well elderly and inner city at-risk youth.
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