Date
5-2017
Department
Worship and Music - Ethnomusicology
Degree
Master of Arts (MA)
Chair
Keith A Currie
Keywords
Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia, Music Therapy, Spiritual Well-Being
Disciplines
Arts and Humanities | Music | Music Theory | Music Therapy | Other Music
Recommended Citation
Heeb, Sheri, "Enhancing the Spiritual Well-Being of Alzheimer's Patients Utilizing Music" (2017). Masters Theses. 443.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/masters/443
Abstract
Over 40 million people have some form of dementia. Alzheimer’s Disease “is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.” The non-pharmaceutical approaches in this study do not have the side-effects of many of the therapies currently being used for treating Alzheimer’s Disease. As part of this project, I will reference multiple research studies which include spirituality and Alzheimer’s Disease, the Nun Study of the Sisters of Notre Dame, and music therapy and Alzheimer’s Disease. Results show that music therapy boosts the memory, reduces anxiety and behavioral issues, and restores a sense of self-awareness. Other studies show that those patients with a spiritual connection to God receive reassurance through prayer, Bible reading, and staying connected with fellow worshippers. The combination of music therapy and spiritual support can greatly enhance the spiritual well-being of those with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Included in
Music Theory Commons, Music Therapy Commons, Other Music Commons
