While researching the effect of a music therapy protocol on bulbar and respiratory functions of people affected by ALS / MND remains my primary focus these days, recent 25th Annual ALS / MND Alliance Meeting in Boston made me realize that the music therapy and “music visitors” programs that we have been developing over the past five years may be unique, and sharing this experience and the knowledge we have gained so far may enhance ALS / MND care and benefit patients and caregivers around the globe. This realization inspired me to create and share an information sheet on music therapy applications for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Benefits of music therapy for people with ALS and their caregivers include:
- psychological support and counseling
- relaxation and sleep facilitation
- self-expression (verbal or nonverbal)
- mood enhancement
- energy boost
- moderate physical exercise
- pain management
- support for making decisions
- support for adjustment to the disease
- relationship closure
- enhancing family dynamics
- community building
- respite care
To find out about how music therapy treatment may look and to download the information sheet, please follow this link. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or would like to collaborate!