Japanese researchers divided 79 adults, aged 40 to 74, into three groups, studying the effects of one-hour music sessions every two weeks on one group, laughter sessions on another group, and no intervention for the remaining participants (the control group).

Blood pressure readings taken immediately after the sessions were 6 mm Hg lower in the music group and 7 mm Hg lower among the laughter participants compared to measurements taken just prior to the sessions, the study authors said.

Improvements in blood pressure were still seen three months later, according to the results.

Source: HealthDay News

Studies have shown the part of the brain that processes music is not affected by dementia, with sufferers able to recall songs and music from their youth.

Now a team from the city’s Polyphony project, which works with patients with mental health problems, wants to broaden its research after initial studies showed sessions led to improvements in cognitive functioning, communication and mood.

The charity is looking for funding to carry out a bigger study in Glasgow to prove music therapy can have long-term benefits for dementia sufferers.

Source: Evening Times

The program, funded by UNHCR and run through the Noor Al Hussein Foundation, has been a success, according to music therapists running the program:

Music therapist Lisa Rae Eisenman and her colleague Maryellen Fairchild came to Amman from the US to work with a group of patients aged six to 21 in order to “use music to meet non-musical needs”.

Eisenman said she has seen a noticeable difference in the children since the programme started in May.

“When the kids first came in, they were very quiet, they were very shy and they weren’t smiling,” she said

And now?

“The kids are full of joy and a love for music,” Fairchild said, noting that they have received gratitude from parents.

Source: MENAFN