"Functional Music Therapy" is a practical program for the care of early to end stage Alzheimer's patients. At the heart of the program is a focused, structured methodology that can be adapted as the patient progresses through the varying functional levels of the disease. The approach focuses on four core elements - reminiscence, daily living, fine and gross motor skills, and sensory stimulation - helping the patient to maintain his or her highest level of cognitive, physical, social, and behavioural functioning at each stage of the disease. Useful guidance on how to plan, develop, and integrate, "Functional Music Therapy" is provided, and case studies of its use in a range of care settings are included. This practical guide will be an invaluable resource for music therapists working with Alzheimer's and dementia at any stage, as well as care home managers, nursing staff, activity directors, and the families of patients with Alzheimer's and dementia.

Author Biography

Tish Zimmerman is a Board Certified Music Therapist with twelve years experience. She specializes in working with Alzheimer's and dementia patients and currently works at a number of adult day care centres, assisted living facilities and long term care homes in the Delaware Valley region of New Jersey. She lives in Flemington, New Jersey.