+ The Power of Music: “music therapy and the brain” Lewelyn Fernandez University of California Merced

+ Defining my Audience My audience is specifically for those who are taking care of patients with Alzheimer’s Disorder (doctors, nurses, caregivers, family members)

+ What is Alzheimer’s Disease? Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a form of dementia that gradually worsens over time. It affects ones behavior, thinking and memory AD usually occurs in the older population around the age of 60 and over One can get Alzheimer’s by close blood relatives, they can carry the genes

+ Areas where AD Affects the Brain These parts of the brain indicate where AD takes place What the differences look like between one with a normal one who has Alzheimer’s disease

+ Is there a Cure? Unfortunately there is no cure for AD Although there are ways that can help slow down the process of Alzheimer’s Disease Medication can help cope with the symptoms such as (behavioral and sleep problems, and confusion Changes in the environment can support a better performance in daily activities Music therapy is also another way to slow the progression of the disease

+ Where Music Therapy Comes into Play Music therapy can spark improvement in memory for people suffering from AD When music therapy is used appropriately it can: Enhance cognitive function Stimulate positive interactions in behavior Help cope with high anxiety and stress levels

+ How Music Therapy Works Many researchers that have used music therapy use methods such as Allowing the patient to listen to familiar/favorite music with in the past repeatedly throughout the day Later on recognition test were used to evaluate their musical memory Results show that patients do benefit from the familiar music because they are able to recognize different patterns and pitches Listening to familiar music material can help a patients memory to recall or reminisce about their past

+ Statistics Show There is an estimated 5.4 million people have Alzheimer’s disease That is about 3% of the population in every state AD is the sixth leading cause of death for people over 65 and over 85 in the US Not many trails have been conducted amongst the population of those suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease Since music therapy has only shown positive outcomes for many patients, I believe it should be used as a form of treatment for the disease In conclusion Music therapy has the power to heal the brain when it comes to patients with AD

+ Questions Anyone? Thank you for your attention, hope you enjoyed my presentation