Demonstration Project 

In 2008, Beth Abraham Health Services (BAHS) participated in a demonstration project* to assess the impact that the use of iPods have on quality of life and to determine the feasibility of facility-wide implementation.

 

Under the supervision of the music therapist, the listening program was integrated into the patient’s care plan. Each patient selected their favorite songs. The selection of songs was downloaded to the iPod, which was used every day. 

 

The iPod program brought about positive changes in behavior, such as reduced depression, agitation, and anxiety, as well as improvement in mood. At BAHS' Adult Day Health Care Program, where the study was conducted, iPod Listening Groups were formed. Group participants were able to discuss and share their music with each other. They reported increased feelings of community, support and connection with other members of the group. In addition, patients feel more connected to people of other generations and learn about other cultures through the music.

The results of the demonstration project was published in the September 2008 issue of Managing Health Today. A link is provided below:

Generating Better Outcomes in Patient Care via iPod-based Personalized Music (pg 14)
By Dan Cohen, MSW, The Shelley & Donald Rubin Foundation

Other Supporting Research and Newsworthy Articles

A research finding, published in Cerebral Cortex online in February 2009, explains why people with Alzheimer’s disease can display a strong emotional response to songs. Please click on the following links for more information:

The Neural Architecture of Music-Evoked Autobiographical Memories
Petr Janata, Department of Psychology, Center for Mind and Brain, University of California

Why Music Triggers a Walk Down Memory Lane

Alzheimer's Sufferers Could Improve Memory by Listening to Favourite Music

*The demonstration project is part of "Music and Memory," a larger project directed by Dan Cohen, MSW and funded by the Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation.

Click here to go back to the IMNF's Well-Tuned: Music Players for Health Program home page.