Music therapy techniques for dysregulation in autistics applied to agitation with late-onset Alzheimer's: A case study
Title
Music therapy techniques for dysregulation in autistics applied to agitation with late-onset Alzheimer's: A case study
Creator
Gruett, Ingrid
Description
Gruett, Ingrid
The instance of agitation in persons in mid-late stages of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is problematic both as an indicator of distress in the individual and because agitation makes caregiving more difficult for caregivers, thereby contributing to caregiver burnout. Pharmacotherapy commonly used to reduce agitation in persons with AD can over-sedate and cause other undesirable side effects that may diminish the individual’s quality of life. Consequently, non-pharmacological interventions are needed as additional treatment options. Agitation is a form of emotion dysregulation. Music therapy is established as being effective in helping Autistic persons decrease emotion dysregulation when desired. Additionally, neurological overlap has been found between these two populations. This philosophical inquiry investigates the use of music therapy as a non-pharmacological approach that has been successfully used to decrease emotion dysregulation in Autistic persons, to decrease agitation in persons with AD. Music therapy approaches that were used to successfully decrease agitation in this case study are discussed in addition to the implications and recommendations for further research.
The instance of agitation in persons in mid-late stages of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is problematic both as an indicator of distress in the individual and because agitation makes caregiving more difficult for caregivers, thereby contributing to caregiver burnout. Pharmacotherapy commonly used to reduce agitation in persons with AD can over-sedate and cause other undesirable side effects that may diminish the individual’s quality of life. Consequently, non-pharmacological interventions are needed as additional treatment options. Agitation is a form of emotion dysregulation. Music therapy is established as being effective in helping Autistic persons decrease emotion dysregulation when desired. Additionally, neurological overlap has been found between these two populations. This philosophical inquiry investigates the use of music therapy as a non-pharmacological approach that has been successfully used to decrease emotion dysregulation in Autistic persons, to decrease agitation in persons with AD. Music therapy approaches that were used to successfully decrease agitation in this case study are discussed in addition to the implications and recommendations for further research.
Date
2021
Publisher
Alverno College
Extent
22 pages
Language
English
Format
PDF
Type
Text
Culminating Project
Subject
Alzheimer's disease--Patients--Care
Music therapy--Case studies
Emotions
Rights
These materials may be used by individuals and libraries for personal use, research, teaching (including distribution to classes), or for any fair use as defined by U.S. Copyright Law.
Collection
Citation
Gruett, Ingrid, “Music therapy techniques for dysregulation in autistics applied to agitation with late-onset Alzheimer's: A case study,” Alverno College Library Digital Commons, accessed April 28, 2024, https://alverno.omeka.net/items/show/798.