Music program helps people with dementia and family caregivers

“It’s helping people connect with music in a meaningful and functional way,” said Music Therapist Jeffrey Friedberg of his work. “I use music to help with building social connections and relationships, to build communication and memory.”

Friedberg is the facilitator of “Something for Alz: Musical Moments,” a program offered in Nyack for people with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia and their family caregivers.

Friedberg said he knows how important this kind of group can be. He has experienced Alzheimer’s personally, as his grandmother was diagnosed with the disease in the 1990s, when she was in her late 70s. Friedberg was in his early 30s at the time, and while he was not a day-to-day caregiver for her, he said it had a significant impact on his family.

“It was a really tough call to have her move into a nursing facility. She was a fiercely independent woman, and she wanted to live on her own.” Friedberg said, “For me, I think the biggest impact was having to face the hard reality that she could not live on her own anymore.”

Friedberg said participants in “Something for Alz” sing and play instruments together. They also share what is going on in their lives, discuss interests such as movies or music and share memories.

“People expect to feel supported by the group,” Friedberg said, adding that each participant puts his or her own unique imprint on the gathering.

Music helps those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia on several levels, Friedberg said, because it can stimulate memory retrieval and provide an outlet for those who struggle to communicate in words. He said music often evokes memories from early adulthood, because that is an important stage for the development of one’s personality.

A New York State licensed creative arts therapist and board certified musical therapist for more than 20 years, Friedberg has had his own private practice for the last five and now works out of his own studio, Music For Life Creative Arts Therapy, where the “Something for Alz” program is being held.

He said that while he is there to facilitate discussion and keep the program running smoothly, the attendees can take it in whatever direction they like. He recalled a group where someone requested “I Want to Hold Your Hand” by the Beatles. While teaching the participants the song, he realized it could help inspire some important memories.

“The song was about wanting to meet someone new and really get to know them. It opened conversations and prepped people to share their stories of how they met their partners,” he said. “Stories are big parts of our relationships; we facilitate telling their stories.”

If you go

What: Something for Alz: Musical Moments

When: 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 30 and Dec. 7. The program will also be held on April 19 and 26 and May 3, 10, and 24

Where: Music For Life Creative Arts Therapy, 117 Depew Ave., Nyack

Contact: Alzheimer’s Association at 800.272.3900 with questions or to RSVP

About the Hudson Valley Chapter

The Hudson Valley Chapter serves families living with dementia in seven counties in New York including, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester. To learn more about our programs and services offered locally, visit alz.org/hudsonvalley

This program is supported in part by a grant from the New York State Department of Health.

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer’s.