Its aim is the creation of structures and services that improve the quality of life of patients with dementia and of their caregivers. Alzheimer Hellas currently numbers more than 50,000 members. The Association operates three Alzheimer’s Units in Thessaloniki and Katerini, at which innovative, non-pharmaceutical programs are implemented. On average, about 2,500 persons from Northern Greece visit the Units each month. Free services are offered, such as complete neuropsychological exams, medical diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions. The organization also participates in research programs and operates a 24-hour telephone helpline that people can call to receive answers regarding dementia.
Therapeutic Live Music Program for Dementia Patients
The grant regards a personalized live music therapy program aimed at improving the wellbeing of dementia patients in Thessaloniki. This program was developed by taking into account the research data on the importance of music as an intervention tool in order to address the psychosocial health problems of elderly people with dementia. The ultimate goal of this program is to improve the quality of life of seniors with dementia and their caregivers through live musical intervention. More specifically, the program aims to regulate the psychological and behavioral symptoms of the former and to socialize and enhance the mental health of their caregivers by integrating them into a therapeutic support group. Approximately 25 final-stage dementia patients who reside at the Alzheimer’s Unit in Thessaloniki will receive one weekly piano musical intervention over a 5-month period. At the same time, the caregivers will also receive a weekly group intervention. Before and after each intervention various individual data will be recorded, so as to be able to measure the overall effect of the program.
Its aim is the creation of structures and services that improve the quality of life of patients with dementia and of their caregivers. Alzheimer Hellas currently numbers more than 50,000 members. The Association operates three Alzheimer’s Units in Thessaloniki and Katerini, at which innovative, non-pharmaceutical programs are implemented. On average, about 2,500 persons from Northern Greece visit the Units each month. Free services are offered, such as complete neuropsychological exams, medical diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions. The organization also participates in research programs and operates a 24-hour telephone helpline that people can call to receive answers regarding dementia.
Therapeutic Live Music Program for Dementia Patients
The grant regards a personalized live music therapy program aimed at improving the wellbeing of dementia patients in Thessaloniki. This program was developed by taking into account the research data on the importance of music as an intervention tool in order to address the psychosocial health problems of elderly people with dementia. The ultimate goal of this program is to improve the quality of life of seniors with dementia and their caregivers through live musical intervention. More specifically, the program aims to regulate the psychological and behavioral symptoms of the former and to socialize and enhance the mental health of their caregivers by integrating them into a therapeutic support group. Approximately 25 final-stage dementia patients who reside at the Alzheimer’s Unit in Thessaloniki will receive one weekly piano musical intervention over a 5-month period. At the same time, the caregivers will also receive a weekly group intervention. Before and after each intervention various individual data will be recorded, so as to be able to measure the overall effect of the program.
