Juan Brignardello Vela
Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, se especializa en brindar asesoramiento y gestión comercial en el ámbito de seguros y reclamaciones por siniestros para destacadas empresas en el mercado peruano e internacional.
Recent research has shed light on the profound impact of music therapy on individuals suffering from advanced dementia, providing compelling evidence that it can significantly alleviate agitation, anxiety, and distress. Published in the journal Nature Mental Health, this study offers a beacon of hope for the approximately one million people in the UK living with dementia, particularly the over half who are in its advanced stages. As dementia progresses, it often manifests in challenging behaviors such as aggression, restlessness, and resistance to care, complicating the lives of not only patients but also their families and professional caregivers. However, the latest findings suggest that music therapy may be a valuable tool to enhance the quality of life for these individuals. Naomi Thompson, a researcher at Anglia Ruskin University who led the study, emphasizes that music therapy is a straightforward and cost-effective intervention that can foster calmness, improve mood, and facilitate more meaningful interactions, even in the later stages of dementia. The research reveals that music therapy is most effective when it is personalized, aligning with an individual's history, preferences, and emotional needs. Through listening to familiar songs, playing instruments, or singing, participants experienced immediate benefits such as improved attention, mood, alertness, and engagement. Importantly, these sessions were found to significantly reduce anxiety and agitation, helping individuals feel safer and more oriented. One of the study's pivotal findings is the dual-sided impact of music on the brain. Music engages both cognitive and sensory networks, allowing individuals to tap into preserved memories and emotions, even as dementia erodes other faculties. This capacity to evoke memories, especially from formative years, restores a sense of identity and may bring comfort amidst the emotional challenges of advanced dementia. Music’s unique ability to transcend language barriers enhances its therapeutic potential. Individuals with severe dementia, who may struggle with verbal communication, can still respond to melodic and rhythmic stimuli. Such interactions can strengthen bonds between patients and caregivers, fostering a more empathetic caregiving dynamic rather than one focused solely on managing difficult behaviors. To facilitate the wider adoption of music therapy in dementia care, the study advocates for training programs for care staff, enabling them to effectively integrate music into daily routines. Additionally, families are encouraged to share their loved ones' musical preferences, aiding in the creation of personalized playlists that maximize therapeutic effects. The research involved a comprehensive approach, including insights from healthcare professionals, music therapists, and interviews with staff from dementia wards. Co-author Ben Underwood from the University of Cambridge stresses the need for innovative strategies to support individuals with advanced dementia, noting the excitement surrounding the incorporation of music therapy into NHS dementia care. While the primary focus is on enhancing the lives of those with dementia, the benefits extend to families and caregivers as well. Engaging with music not only reduces caregiver stress but also fosters shared moments of enjoyment, contributing to better job satisfaction and a more positive caregiving environment. As the number of individuals living with dementia continues to rise, the importance of cost-effective interventions like music therapy becomes increasingly pronounced. This study not only validates music's therapeutic potential but also outlines a pragmatic strategy for embedding music therapy into standard dementia care practices. In sum, music is not merely a tool for soothing but a vital means of connection, remembrance, and living in the moment. By integrating music into the fabric of dementia care, we can help individuals rediscover parts of themselves obscured by the disease, enabling moments of tranquility, understanding, and human connection that are essential for improving their overall well-being.