Music as a Global Resource: - International Council for Caring ...

SECTION:
Music for Mental and Physical Health
COUNTRY:
Argentina
PROJECT:
MUSIC THERAPY FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS IN NEUROREHABILITATION: THE
INSTITUTE OF COGNITIVE NEUROLOGY
DESCRIPTION:
The Institute of Cognitive Neurology (INECO) serves children and adults with a wide range of
developmental, degenerative and acquired neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions such as stroke,
acquired brain injury, Parkinson‟s disease, Alzheimer‟s disease and other forms of dementia, cognitive
disorders, developmental and autistic spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, trauma and anxiety disorders,
among others.
The Music Therapy Program was established in 2008 as part of the Department of Neuropsychology of
INECO. Currently, the music therapy program provides individual, family, group and community
sessions as well as home care and outreach services. The music therapy team provides a broad scope of
treatments for individuals, families and caregivers throughout the Institute within a comprehensive
interdisciplinary team of neurologists, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, physical, speech and
occupational therapists.
Based on the idea that there is an inborn musical sensitivity in all human beings, music therapy is seen as
an essential part of treatment and a key aspect of patients‟ motor, cognitive, occupational, emotional and
social rehabilitation. A creative and constructive social environment is created to help attain personalized
treatment goals through music making.
The music therapy team offers:
State-of-the-art treatment including Nordoff-Robbins Creative Music Therapy, music-neurorehabilitation
techniques and medical music-psychotherapy in individual, group, and family
sessions
Music-assisted speech and music-assisted movement sessions using vocal and instrumental
improvisations to stimulate, maintain and restore speech and motor skills
Music therapy groups for young adults with developmental impairments, for the elderly with
cognitive impairments, and for adults with stroke or traumatic brain injury
The Instrumental Ensemble that promotes social and occupational rehabilitation for
patients with neuropsychiatric conditions by hosting events such as live music karaoke sessions
that are open to the community
CURRENT STATUS:
The program is funded through both Foundation and private donations. Affiliated with the Institute of
Neuroscience at Favaloro University, the music therapy team:
Provides specialized training in music therapy foundations and techniques for experienced
clinicians and related health professionals in the field of neurological rehabilitation
Provides presentations to the community
Hosts international symposiums and workshops on relevant topics in the field of music therapy
Is involved in professional writing and research in collaboration with doctors, physical and
speech therapists in the areas of minimally conscious state, Alzheimer‟s disease, and speech and
movement disorders
80