Posted 02/09/2010
Does Music Therapy Work?
A psychiatrist's opinion
By Scott Haltzman, MD
Remember the 1989 standoff with Manuel Noriega, the deposed leader of Panama? The American military surrounded his hideout with loudspeakers and blasted rock music, day in and day out. Anyone who's seen footage of Noriega’s capture (or who has a neighbor with a high-powered hi-fi) understands that loud, unpleasant music can drive you crazy. Read More >>
Posted 11/26/2009
Aging Family Members: If You See Something, Do Something
Here are five steps we can take to help care for our older relatives
By Laurie Orlov
Let's give some thought to how older people connect with others, stay safe and well, and keep contributing to the world around them. Here are five reminders about care for our older relatives, things we can all initiate that have some technology elements. This advice is, of course, easier to give than it is to follow. And the technology is insufficient without the involvement of people. But take a look: observe older family members and ask yourself if there are ways to enhance their quality of life. Read More >>
Posted 11/19/2009
Music Therapy Uses Preloaded iPods to Help Alzheimer’s Patients
Scientists have documented positive effects
By Laurie Orlov
Let's start with a quote from today's Wall Street Journal article, which gets right to the point: "Ann Povodator, an 85-year-old Alzheimer's patient in Boynton Beach, Fla., listens to her beloved opera and Yiddish songs every day on an iPod with her home health aide or her daughter when she comes to visit. ‘We listen for at least a half-hour, and we talk afterwards,’ says her daughter, Marilyn Povodator. ‘It seems to touch something deep within her.’” Read More >>
Posted 09/14/2009
Happy Music May Lead to Happy Blood Vessels
Good medicine for your cardiovascular system
By Elaine Magee, MPH, RD
When is the last time you purposely played some joyful music and gave yourself a few moments of pleasure and inspiration? Well, you might want to start making this a daily dalliance. A small study from the Preventive Cardiology program at the University of Maryland measured blood vessel function in 10 people while they listened to music that they said gave them a sense of joy. The researchers discovered that their blood vessels dilated (expanded) by 26%. Read More >>
