Dementia: problem, risks, effects, and management

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I had met my classmate around 4 months back and informed her also about my mom's death. But in a recent email, she wrote to me that I had met her a couple of years back. She also enquired about my mom. Seeing her email, the first thought that came to my mind was: is she suffering from early dementia. I hope not. Maybe, she just forgot about the time that I had met her a few months back. Maybe because it was a hurried and surprise visit.  Nonetheless, dementia is on the rise. It affects people after 60 years of age. The increased life expectancy means that one will see more of such cases in the near future.  India has around 10 million dementia cases out of the world total of 57 million. This is a huge percentage. It affects not only an individual but the whole family. There is this individual who is physically okay but mentally absent. The person needs custodial care and it could turn out to be expensive. It is also emotionally disturbing to see your loved one in that state of...
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Music Therapy and its prolific potential in health and disease!

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 Every one of us would admit that when they are sad, tired, or stressed, they love listening to music. And music helps them to feel relaxed. It uplifts their mood. Several studies have also shown that music used as a therapy in various health deranged states act in a positive way. The general psychology of the patients improves and the disease starts improving and at a faster rate. Thus recovery is hastened and better.

What is music therapy?

Music is a form of supplementary therapy for various health conditions. Music is organized sound and it is rhythmic and melodious. It soothes and heals the body, mind, and soul. The physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being is attained.

Music (Source: Pinterest)

This can be in the form of just receptive or passive listening to sound or music, singing with the music, moving feet and body to the music, humming with the music, or playing a musical instrument. Sometimes, recorded inspiring talks, natural sounds, guided imagery, bibliography are also used for similar action on the mind and body.

The origin is said to be from Greece wherein music was used to treat mental disorders. It has been used in various cultures worldwide during joyous occasions and also for boosting the spirit in military troops. It has been used at workplace to enhance work productivity. It has a number of positive effects in health and disease.

Benefits of music

There have been several benefits linked with music therapy. These include:

1.      Stress reduction

2.      Improves well-being

3.      Elevates mood

4.      Improves work output

5.      Overcomes anxiety and depression

6.      Improves memory

7.      Decreases pain

8.      Brings down the high blood pressure

9.      Helps in rehabilitation

10.  Useful in preterm babies in NICU and also in pediatric emergency rooms

11.  Positive effects on comatose patients

12.  Improves sleep and treats insomnia

Music playing (Source: Pinterest)

Several studies have revealed that music indeed helps people with cognitive and mental issues, altered conscious levels, cancer, chronic pain, and other chronic health conditions. It is also useful in healing after grief and bereavement. But more studies are needed. Nonetheless, music therapy is inexpensive, easily available, and safe. Every person in this world has some problem or the other in his or her life. Then why not adopt music in your daily life to lessen it?
 

 

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