I just now read a bulletin on the Wall Street Journal website about the use of music therapy in dementia patients. The article said that one of the criticisms of iPods is that persons who use them are likely to withdraw from communication with other people and remain in an isolated world of their own. However, recent study of stroke and dementia patients are showing that iPods and other MP3 devices in many instances have the opposite result.

By listening to some old often encountered songs, advanced Alzheimer's patients can reconnect with their memories and with others in some astonishing ways, especially for people with degenerative brain conditions. For example, as stated in the Journal, listening to rap and reggae on a borrowed iPod each day helped a 28-year-old stroke patient to learn to walk and make use of his hands again.

In another occurrence, a 52 year-old man who fell from a fourth-floor building site and suffered a crushed larynx became so fascinated with music that he wrote 400 songs and produced four albums. An 85-year-old Alzheimer's patient in Florida listens to her beloved opera and Yiddish songs every day on an iPod with a home health aide or her daughter when she visits. According to her daughter they listen for somewhere around about half an hour a day and "It seems to touch something deep within her."

Caregivers have been aware for many years that music therapy in dementia patients can be highly efficacious. They have observed for decades that dementia patients can recall and sing songs for some time after they have stopped recalling names and faces. Hospitals and aging care facilities have been using music as enjoyment for a long time, since it causes patients pleasure. Now, beyond the entertainment value, there is meaningful evidence that listening to music can also help stimulate apparently lost memories, and even help reclaim cognitive function in some cases. (via IPod Therapy for Alzheimer's Patients, WSJ.com)

As a old-timer myself I am a big supporter of iPods and related devices for senior citizens. I myself have an iPhone, which is basically an iPod with a telephone built into it. I am cognizant that many of you will be skeptical because you think such devices are too challenging for seniors. However, as research as shown, using complicated devices can be quite effective in reducing memory loss due to aging. Now we realize that the musical functions can be helpful even for those who have already experienced memory loss.

Well, okay, you might decide not to actually leave an iPod in the hands of a person who is experiencing Alzheimer's, but such a device can certainly be used, under supervision, to provide the kinds of music therapy in dementia patients set out in this article. Technology can be highly beneficial for those who are willing to be creative thinkers and attentive in applying its use. IPod music therapy in dementia patients is a classic illustration.

Take A Dyslexia Test To Be Aware Of Whether Or Not You Might Be Dyslexic
Dyslexia is difficult to define because the word 'dyslexia' means different things to different people. This article explains the problem...

Exactly Why Is Testing For Dyslexia So Crucial? And What More Could You Know When You Have Finished A Dyslexic Test?
It is estimated that there are more than 2 million adult dyslexics in the U.S., that do not know they are dyslexic. A simple dyslexic test could tell for sure, and set them on the path to overcoming dyslexia completely....

A Full Face Respirator Helps Shield You Against Allergies
When you use a Full face respirator you assure yourself that you are protected from the harmful contaminants, pollutants and allergens that fill the air.

N 95 Mask To Guard You Against All Sorts Of Pollutants Around You
When you buy yourself an N 95 mask you buy yourself the peace of mind that ensures that you know that you have done all possible things to safeguard yourself against the travails of contaminants, allergens and pollutants that abound the environment.

New Fibromyalgia Remedies That Seem Hopeful For Victims
New fibromyalgia treatments are often discussed in medical conferences, and you can bet that at any given time, there are research studies being carried out around the country that will attempt to shed some light on this elusive and complicated condition.

Infusion Remedial Measure For Fibromyalgia: Getting To Know More About It And Ascertain If It Has Good Effect
Fybromyalgia is a Painful, chronic condition that affect many people every year. One of the treatments receiving attention in recent years is infusion treatment for fibromyalgia. But what are infusion treatments and why do they work?

Venapro Review - The Truth In Regards To The Actual Buzz. Must Understand Before You Buy
Hemorrhoids are a serious and unfortunate issue that often, the sufferer is hesitant to seek a solution.

Brownish Yellow Fingernails Require Zetaclear
Do you have that revolting yellow brown stain like coloring on your nails like I had? It can be on you finger nail or your toe nail. I'm talking about nail fungus and I have found the way to get rid of it without harming the nail and without any harmful chemicals.