07/07/2015
Poole Hospital’s dementia patients are getting an extra boost in their treatment through music.
Patients diagnosed with dementia in the Dorset-based hospital are getting help from “Music for a While,” a joint project of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO), Arts & Health South West (AHSW) and hospitals in Winchester, Poole and Portsmouth.
Associates of BSO are visiting hospitals in the area to sing and play live music using various instruments, including guitar, viola, and ukulele, to help patients refresh memories. BSO associates are encouraging friends and family to join them in their visits.
The results of the visits will be used by University of Winchester’s Centre for the Arts and Wellbeing for its research in dementia treatment.
Music has been used to help dementia therapy for years. Oliver Sacks, a neurologist, said in his book Musicophilia that patients with Alzheimer's Disease benefit from music in the same way as they get help from medicines. It has been documented by therapists that Alzheimer's patients who have not spoken for months or years start to talk and socialize again upon hearing music that is familiar to them.
Kate Jones, a nurse specialist in dementia at Poole Hospital, praised the effects of the music sessions BSO is conducting. Jones said in a July 5 article published in the Daily Echo: “It’s amazing to see the change in some of our patients once they hear the music, it really promotes calmness and reduces agitation – it really is striking.
Lisa Tregale, BSO’s Head of Participation, said: “Music is a perfect outlet for people to express themselves and aid relaxation when they are at their most vulnerable.”
