The Integral Role of Music in Dementia Care

Abstract: A growing amount of scientific evidence and anecdotal reports have led to increased public awareness about the benefits of music for persons who have dementia. However, the potential for therapeutic and practical applications of music within dementia care contexts is often not well understood or fully realized. Music Therapy Professor Laurel Young will present her perspectives on creating a standardized interprofessional approach to providing personalized music care for persons living with dementia. Implications for research will also be discussed.

Bio: Laurel Young, Ph.D., MTA, is an Assistant Professor and interim Graduate Program Coordinator of Music Therapy at Concordia University. She has over 20 years of diverse clinical experience, has published in several peer-reviewed journals and books, and was a Spotlight Speaker at the 2014 World Congress of Music Therapy held in Krems, Austria. In June 2014, Dr. Young received the Research & Publications award at the Canadian Association for Music Therapy’s 40th national conference.