I have worked with a few clients who lived/are living with ALS, also known as, Lou Gehrig’s Disease. ALS is “a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord” (ALS Association), which eventually leads to full paralysis of the body, and then death. ALS does not affect the person’s mind, so they essentially end up getting trapped in a body that doesn’t work as a fully thinking person. At this time, there is no known cause or cure of this awful disease, and once diagnosed, patients generally have 3-5 years to live.
The role of music therapy in the treatment of ALS is supportive only, with the music therapist practicing a humanistic approach to care. Here are some of the ways that music therapy can help:
- As paralysis begins to affect the vocal chords and the client’s ability to speak, music therapy can help to maintain speech for a longer length of time through vocal exercises and singing activities.
- Playing small instruments can provide clients with alternate means of communicating and expressing feelings
- Music assisted relaxation sessions can help the body and mind release tension
- Lyric analysis and song writing can help decrease frustration, anxiety, fear and other feelings associated with the disease
- Helping the client prepare for death, mentally, emotionally, and assisting with the closure of important relationships. This is often done through legacy work the client can leave for their loved ones, i.e. leaving written songs, or meaningful CD compilations.
We have wonderful technology today to make caring for the person with ALS so much easier, specifically computerized communication boards. Though communication is significantly more trying this way, at least the client doesn’t get completely locked inside themselves. In fact, much of the end of life work in music therapy with ALS is through talk therapy using a communication board.
To learn more about ALS visit the ALS Association website. Also, Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom is a lovely read, and gives a vivid portrayal of how this disease affects patients and the people that love them.
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