The speaker seems so caring and helpful to the community she works in. I've had a small amount of exposure to the elderly community with dance movement therapy but never with dyslexia. I think it would be extremely rewarding however I can only imagine the difficulty that must come with it. I enjoyed that the speaker touched on why we should work with the elderly with dymensia. It inspired me and made me want to work with this community despite the difficulty.
"If your attempts to communicate are misunderstood and thought to be symptomatic of dementia, rather than communicative, it is likely they'll be disregarded. And then you'll have to make your movements stronger, quicker, more direct, and those will be considered 'behaviors'." DMTs like Donna tune into and show respect to the nonverbal communication, honor choice, and highlight the life of the individual, rather than the disease.
This is such an insightful talk. I appreciated the reframing and strengths-based approach Donna highlights for working with individuals with dementia. Mirroring is something often discussed in dance/movement therapy but this talk so clearly lays out the value of the approach within this community as a form of empowerment, relational affirmation, and cognitive development. The meaning and connection to societal values helped for me to contextual the purpose of working with this community and speaks to a larger need for respecting the aging process within our society.
Donna sets the stage for her audience to view individuals who have dementia from a strengths-based, humanistic perspective, opening the door for viewers to gain deeper understanding of living with dementia as well as learn how dance/movement therapy serves this population. I really enjoyed Donna’s energy and commitment to sharing her knowledge and wisdom with her verbal and non-verbal communication, especially in guiding her audience to identify everyday communication styles that also relate to individuals who have dementia. She clearly and personably describes the experiences of living with dementia in a very humane way, emphasizing the relationship in dance/movement therapy as a catalyst for healing, motivation, validation, and empowerment. The pictures served as wonderful visualizations of the relationship and “delightfully playful” presence of each person involved in the group. Donna also warmly affirms the individual’s need to be “seen, heard, appreciated” and respected, even if that person refuses to participate. Her passionate and honest conclusion beautifully epitomizes the essence of the talk as well as motivates the audience to reflect upon current societal norms and embrace the importance of our elders, individuals with dementia, and honoring them with tender care, respect, love, time, relationship, and dance. Thank you Donna for sharing!
Thank you Donna! I love how passionate you are about your work. I agree that the way we treat older individuals says a lot about our cultural values. Finding ways to increase the quality of life and care that we provide for older adults is something that still needs more focus in the U.S. The idea of dance/movement therapy building on what a person is so inspiring. It is sad to see individuals disregarded and I would love to see more opportunities for older adults to access DMT services. I love what you said in towards the end about how we pay honor when we dance with, relate to, and attempt to understand older adults with dementia. So important and I hope more people can adopt this mindset.
Donna's authenticity and deep empathy for our elders shines through in this talk. I had the privilege to interview Dr. Newman-Bluestein last year about working with individuals with dementia, and it is so clear how intentional and caring she is. In working with elders with dementia, oftentimes, caregivers talk down to them or focus, as Donna said, on what they can't do. We must remember to honor their autonomy as people. I loved how Donna said, "It is just as important to honor their refusal as any other choice."
I have worked with the elderly with dementia in an assisted living. It is highly possible that they don't remember who I am when I greet them every morning, but I resonated with Donna's ADTA talk about how to communicate a sense of safety with this population. The residents have mastered the skills in attuning to other's feelings including the staffs, the care partners, and the family members who come to visit. Through my non-verbal communication, they can easily tell that if I am an "old friend" who have been working with them every day. The way I present and use my body language, facial expression, tone and voice, and body movement naturally communicated how our relationship has been. They know that they are safe to see me and that I am here to be present and support them. Experiencing cognitive deterioration can make communication very challenging and devastating, but I believe in our ability to use our body and DMT to communicate with this adorable and lovely population. It is all about the authenticity, simplicity, and LOVE in us that affect theirs and our relationships.
Donna's presentation gave me grounding to a population that I am unfamiliar with. She engaged the audience with excellent imagery for the audience to embody. Although I empathized with individuals with dementia, I had never felt an ease in attuning to their needs. Providing a sensory lens for individuals experiencing dementia helped me understand the potential needs, wants, and challenges on a body level. I can see these same principles applying to individuals who have experienced trauma. I love the way she phrased that they need sensory info that is both culturally and personally relevant to invite presence.
I have never had the opportunity to work with the elderly dementia population, but this talk definitely has peaked my interest. Her emphasis on relationship and recognizing the response of the clients to props, etc. speaks to the client-centered approach that DMT seeks to create. Her compassion for this population shows through out the whole video, but particularly at the end when she speaks to how the way we treat older adults reflects societal values. By engaging with older adults on a body level, we offer them the opportunity to become embodied before the end of their lives.
I thought the ending was super powerful too. I think we sometimes focus on children because they have so much life left to live, but we forget to pay tribute tothose that have lived long lives before us. It was a beautiful talk!
I enjoyed Donna Newman-Bluestein's emphasis on human relationships and emotion. I appreciate her perspective on non-verbal communication, specifically how she describes the non-verbal elements as "resources otherwise lying dormant." I agree that by extending our awareness and accessing the nonverbal aspects of communication and relationship, we open up the possibilities far beyond what can be done solely through words. I also appreciate the idea of focusing on ability rather than disability. This talk inspires viewers to rethink the way we relate with and treat elders, especially those with dementia--a necessary endeavor for DMTs and non-DMTs alike.
Thank you Donna for such an insightful, powerful, and relevant talk! Even 8 years later, we still see the continuous pattern of disregard for elders, especially with those living with dementia. I greatly appreciate the emphasis on empowerment and client-voice and choice because so often in the U.S, individuals are quick to dismiss any or all agency an elder might have simply due to the fact that the elder is elderly. I feel very inspired and re-excited about understanding the body's knowledge and movement as communication and as choice.
This was such a powerful talk, thank you Donna for sharing your knowledge and experiences. I appreciate the emphasis on taking a strengths-based approach and recognizing people for what they are capable of and have to offer. I'm moved by the perspective of dancing as paying honor to those who have come before us. Movement is a beautiful tool to communicate respect and to validate.
I greatly appreciated Donna's strengths-based introduction to the population - identifying their mastery in the social-emotional realm. She highlights the importance of self-witnessing in DMT and arguably all caregivers - being aware of the energy we bring into the room. Having led movement groups with a group struggling with dementia, I deeply resonate with the story about responding to a bright red ball. I've found these grounding and community-strengthening directives bring up individual's authenticity and spontaneity - whether participating or refusing. As Donna mentioned, this authenticity draws in the group leader, deepening their presence. "Shower them with stimuli, and let them respond." The leader need only offers an invitation and support as needed, letting the individuals' personalities shine through their dance play.
Donna brings great awareness to a horrible illness like dementia and does a terrific job educating the public on how important dance therapy can be used to treat it. Many people with dementia are unavailable to access motivation and they need the support of others to help them get in touch to their intrinsic motivation. She explains how dance movement therapy can be used as that spark to get their motivation lifted by having dance and movement as the primary median.
Thank you, Donna! Such a beautiful and comprehensive presentation. It is very heartwarming when they mentioned that it is important for us to care about people with dementia because of respect and compassion.
I appreciate how the speaker highlighted the power of movement in helping people regain a sense of control, especially in times when they may feel helpless or disconnected. The idea that Dance Movement Therapy can foster curiosity and creativity to enhance neural activity is such an inspiring concept, especially when working with patients with dementia.
I greatly appreciate the interactive component of Donna Newman-Bluestein’s presentation. She presented the audience with tools to understand how nonverbal communication is extremely important for those struggling with Dementia. Newman-Bluestein points out that through nonverbal communication, you can still acknowledge, respect, and honor those who have Dementia. She also acknowledged that dance/movement therapy builds upon what a person can do and then focuses on the strengths of what a person can bring to the movement experience. It was a powerful speech, and allowed me to understand the importance of using DMT when working with dementia patients.
I really like using movement for those with dementia, because while words may be hard to describe how one feels, movement truly is a universal language and there is no correct way to do it, and it may help those effectively communicate.
I think with the average lifespan increasing, as well as the number of people who are living in nursing homes or who are experiencing dementia is increasing, providing this population with therapy and creative outlets is important to their health. Dance/movement therapy would benefit this population very much in allowing them to explore their movement and emotions as well as to form meaningful relationships. Connection to their bodies and their movement can really improve their quality of life, so I think Donna's work is extremely relevant and powerful!
Donna Newman-Bluestein's talk hit close to home as I lost my Grandfather last year, who had Dementia in the last couple years of his life. While I don't think he was treated badly to any extent, I wish my family and I had more tools and knowledge of what Donna presented on to better enhance my Grandfather's experience in a nursing home as well as be better able to communicate with him. I think it is crucial to look at what they can do rather than focus on what they can't do and hold them with higher regard as people we have so much to learn from. I also think her talk was well done using audience engagement. Well done talk and such an important topic.
Donns seems very caring and passionate about helping those with dementia. I liked how she broke down that most movements are not seen as much due to them being non-verbal movements. Those often turn into behaviors because they are not being listened to. This was eye-opening to me as a person who works with people who are often non-verbal.
This video breaks my heart in a very powerful way. Had I watched this just a year ago, or even just last semester, I wouldn't have resonated with it as much as I do now. My grandmother is in a nursing home, and her cognitive awareness seems to be declining very quickly. She's forgetting people's names, words for objects, can't recognize the house she lived in for 30 years, can't recognize her own son... So I watch this video now with my grandma in mind. And at about the 4:30 minute mark, I had tears in my eyes. "We think almost exclusively about what the person can't do". And sure enough, that's how I was thinking about my grandma. She "can't" recognize a house, "forgets" names, "can't" remember her son... After the 4:30 mark, I started to think about everything in a new way. Rather than thinking of her as confined in a wheelchair and unable to remember my name, I think about when I went to see her for Mother's Day and she was so eager to pet a dog that had come to the nursing home. How she'd point at things she thought were interesting, or she'd smile and giggle softly when she received her Mother's Day brunch meal. She didn't talk much, but her eyes were bright as she listened to the rest of us talk to each other and to her, and it was a beautiful experience. Despite everything she's "lost", my grandma is still a person and she is still incredibly compassionate and sweet. When we wanted to connect and bond with her by playing a game after brunch, she was engaged and playful, making large movements and raising her fists above her head in a show of joy, and I felt myself filling with joy as well, and I'd cheer along with her. Dr. Newman-Bluestein really nails it on the head with recognizing how our emotions impact others, and remembering that everyone is still a real person and they deserve to be connected with and loved.
Donna Newman-Bluestein reminds people of how important movement and nonverbal communication is with people with dementia. Using movement and nonverbal communication can create a specific type of energy in a room, which may result in a person with dementia feeling safe in that environment, which is what they always want. Without nonverbal communication, it is really possible that the person with dementia may not feel safe or happy in that exact moment. Something as simple as a hug, smile, or eye contact can give him or her permission to be present and truthful in that moment. I also agree with Newman-Bluestein on how important it is for people to be genuine. It is always so beautiful to witness someone who is being completely genuine, especially people with dementia, for it is known they do feel safe in that specific environment. Also in regards to what Newman-Bluestein briefly discussed, people with dementia would have a hard time being genuine if they are warehoused all the time, for no one if there to comfort them and make them feel safe. Love, comfort, and dance can seriously do so much for those people.
All too often our elderly live out their final days feeling misunderstood or disconnected. It is encouraging to hear Donna advocate the importance of providing genuine care for our grandparents, parents, and other elderly persons in our lives so that they too can experience vitality (in whatever form of expression that it may manifest!).
"When some people think about dementia, they think almost exclusively about what the person can't do". I love how this speaker acknowledged what people with dementia can do. I think that only viewing those with dementia as what they cannot do takes away their autonomy, and DMT gives it back.
I agree with her when she says that in our everyday lives, not enough attention is paid to the social and emotional environment. But, many people depend on these environments to feel safe. Therefore, there needs to be more attention in recognizing these environments, especially within ourselves in order to help others who need them to feel safe.
My mother has experience as a caregiver and i often ask her about treatment with those who have dementia. She told me that it takes alot of patience and gentle touch. I think that dance movement therapy helps the patients with muscle memory it can benefit communication between the patient's family members. My non verbal communication course helped me better understand how important the message of the movement and how to treat someone who has difficulty with movement. Simply because they have a condition, or illness, its especially important that they are kept in mind and helped with healing.
What a wonderful reminder to focus on what abilities people have versus their weakness. People are so important, no matter the age, and I think this was a wonderful reminder that older adults deserve recognition and a time for expression. Allowing older adults, especially those with dementia or other illness, experience the ability to express themselves and what they are going through, is incredible and I realize is so important. Thank you for sharing.
I am so touched by the way the speaker expresses her care for her clients. The idea of honoring our elders through dance is such a powerful one, and I can clearly see the passion she holds for her clients. This is displayed by her ability to hold a space where refusal and “No” is welcome, where the clients are truly empowered.
I love that Donna mentioned how important it is to honor the client's refusal. From my experience, people with dementia can sometimes be in a reality that is different than ours and to respect that is to respect when we are not needed in it. Thank you Donna!
Interesting! I have never had experience from anyone with dementia, so it is intriguing to hear about other's experiences with it and how they deal with it or how it affects them.
I love that Donna is so receptive and understanding of nonverbal communication. By extending our awareness and understanding of nonverbal communication, we can open up many possibilities and deeper understandings that can go beyond words alone. I also love that she creates a loving, energetic, and caring environment something sadly most nursing homes don't have
Yes! I am glad that she accepts people for what they have and works with what they have. Yes, by really focusing on all forms of communication, Donna is able to form more complete connections with her patients.
This is a wonderful talk. Having been able to work in a dementia care unit, I have seen all sides of dementia and both the positive and negative effects it can have. Donna Newman-Bluestein paints a beautiful picture on how important physical reactions and interactions can be when someone with dementia may not otherwise be able to express themselves. I love how she highlights the need for a loving and welcoming environment for people with dementia to be in and how they can thrive when given the chance to, especially through dance therapy.
She definitely understands the importance of nonverbal communications. I love how she accepts people for who they are and focus on what they can do, instead of what they can't. Dance movement therapy helps people because they focus on what people can do. This positive attitude and encouragement helps people believe that they can heal, which is a huge part. I am glad that Donna helps an underserved population, dementia patients, because she noticed that family members in that population needed help. And she helped them.
Thank you for your thoughts. Yes this seemed like an important moment to me too, using a strengths based approach and focusing on what people can do rather than what they can’t do. It opens up so many options when you shift perspective to thinking about what’s possible rather than impossible in a situation.
Donna's work with individuals and groups of people dealing with dementia is well known in dance/movement therapy circles. I hope this talk brings her work further out, to educate everyone as to the importance of moving in the moment, being with as she says, "our mothers and fathers," allowing them to be seen and heard and valued. The non-verbal connections that dance/movement therapists utilize is a perfect medium for communicating and celebrating with this population. Donna, the beauty of your being comes out in this talk. It is inspirational.
In this video Donna spoke about how Dance therapy help people with Dementia, before watching this I had no clue what dementia was. Dementia is when one is depending upon a large environment to make them feel safe they are able feel others emotions. We have to create a loving and caring environment through NVC, in my class we learned about scadfish which is based upon facial expressions, if you have a sad facial expression anyone would know, also kinesics different types of movement. Donna mentioned That if you do one movement or a particular Posture you have different reactions. One thing that would work for someone with dementia is being strong, quick and direct when you are trying to get something or let something be known. One thing that stood out to me was how she was saying that people with Dementia are about to feel other emotions like the law of attraction of your energy is low and you seen down that person will not approach you. Over all I really enjoyed this video the most.
My grandfather suffers from dementia and Alzheimers and the first thing my family agreed on was not sending him to a nursing home. The biggest challenge with patients who suffer from dementia is communication. Many lose their ability to verbally communicate therefore through nonverbal communication and DMT, patients are in control again. A hug, smile, eye contact, touch (haptics) all are gestures that I know makes my grandfather feel present, comfortable, and loved. Donna Newman-Bluestein mentions how dementia patients still have their dignity and it is very true. I've seen it with my grandfather. I think Dance/Movement Therapy is so amazing for dementia patients because it's a way on communication that they are now familiar with.
Really appreciated this context for understanding how people with dementia read body and social cues, and how their own cues are often ignored because of their dementia. I think this can be seen in other spaces culturally when people are viewed as dependent or needing management of some kind, like the cues of children and people with disabilities also being ignored or taken less seriously by some. I also liked the framing of DMT builds on what a person can do, rather than focusing on what they can’t do.
I do not have a personal connection with Dementia, but I do wonder how this may impact me in the future. It can be a scary place where you are unable to be grounded. I would want to be able to communicate in a sturdy way in the future. I am unaware if Dementia runs in the family, but even if it does could there be anything to prevent the negative aspects of the diagnosis? I read somewhere that practicing something tactile focused would-be great preparation before fully having Dementia, is this true? This talk impacted me professionally by creating a thoughtful questioning process. With movement being a core aspect of a person’s life then what specific techniques could benefit Dementia individuals? I believe that consistency is good with these clients, but I agree with the presenter. The main focus on these individuals is on the limitations not the strengths of the Dementia individual. If those with Dementia are freer in their language and speaking, then how would you regulate the self when the client mentions either upsetting information or unfair situations in session. For example, what if the client spoke about something that happened in their family and it was a long-held secret for the family. Would that then be believed to be true or untrue? If it was true would that be spoken about with the family or left to the client since it poses no threat to anyone? In providing sensory stimuli to these clientele how would you know which sense they connect to easiest? Movement is beautiful and I know that it brings out the inner creativity for the dementia clientele along with using props as a good outlet. Are there any specific props that were seen to be most effective with sparking creativity such as scarves versus octobands or objects that make sound versus those that have no sound? Q/Comment/suggestions- I liked the example on noticing the body changes that happen when individuals are scared of someone versus if someone is interested in the other. Body language speaks volumes compared to spoken word. Are there any specific cultural aspects you use when exploring this population? What specific movement analysis/assessment would be used to observe the client’s movement during session?
This is a great presentation, the audience is so engaged. I love how she pauses in movement to describe non verbal communication. I like how she talks about thinking about what a person with dementia can bring! How our elders deserve better and deserve our attention. I think it is great how dance movement therapy recognizes that rejecting to do something is as important as wanting to do something.
I really enjoyed how Donna used a strengths-based approach, focusing on what a person with dementia can do instead of dwelling on what they cannot do. She emphasized how this population can be incredibly playful and can reach some amazing places with their creativity. Donna discussed how a person with dementia can tell when their feelings are being recognized and are being mirrored back to them. Even when they may not longer have the same abilities as they once had, that ability to understand that acceptance and reflection stays with them, and it is so important. It’s especially important when considering how this population oftentimes loses has their opportunities to say “yes” or “no” to things. Caretakers, whether they mean to or not, will sometimes take away the right to make their own choices from the person with dementia. This can worsen the progression of this disease and make the person turn more and more within themselves. By giving them the opportunity to chose what they do in a group or whether or not they even want to participate, it can better their relationship with those around them and increase their feelings of autonomy and independence, even if it is just for a short period of time. This made me reflect on my past work with seniors diagnosed with dementia. Similar to what Donna shared, I worked to honor everyone’s choice. If there was a person who did not want to participate, I would let them know that I understood their opinion and thanked them for letting me know. They would respond positively, and sometimes they seemed surprised at my response. After having their opportunities to have a choice stripped from them, being able to make their own decisions is totally new. And it makes such a big difference. It’s those little moments that can strengthen your relationship with them and create trust. Whether or not they may explicitly remember, it will stay with them. While it may seem like a small thing for us, it can be so big and impactful for them.
This video shows a great insight of how dance/movement therapy can help those with dementia. When an elderly is diagnosis with dementia it is heart breaking and members of the family may lose hope in helping them retrieve those memories lost and perform daily tasks. But she explains how they are a sense of energy waiting to be unleashed and what they need is love and attention knowing that the environment they are living in is safe.
I couldn't agree more with so many of the points Donna made in her presentation. I think it is very true that so many of our elderly are cast aside and left to live out their days with little interaction. This is heartbreaking. Both of my grandparents have dementia and although they are often forgetful they are still vibrant individuals. Donna's work with dance/movement therapy allows her clients to utilize the abilities they still have. This control is important because it might be some of the only time they get to make decisions for themselves
When some people think about dementia they think almost exclusively about what the person cannot do, "whether or not they can understand or express themselves verbally, recognize people, know where they are or what time it is, how to take care of themselves". Dance movement therapist Donna Newman-Bluestein states that dance movement therapy builds on what a person can do and she focuses on the strengths of what a person can bring. Many people with dementia need support from others and an environment that provides sufficient sensory stimulation "that is culturally and personally relevant". This helps them connect to their intrinsic motivation. This type of therapy lets the participant know that they are seen, heard and appreciated. Something that really stands out to me is that when people see their movement being reflected back to them they recognize that they are having an impact, which empowers them. This relates to the lesson in Nonverbal Communications class about mirroring technique in dance therapy. The patient feels supported and comfortable to express themselves because they feel that their feelings matter.
Newman-Bluestein talks about hoe patients with dementia are very aware of others feelings, and “excel” at tapping into other feelings. She talks about those of us who give them care need to create a loving environment for them and how we might do that. She also focuses on the strengths of patients with dementia. This related to the film we watched in class about Dance Movement Therapy and how dance movement therapists are able to communicate with patients on a level that speaks to them, and in a way they are able to. Like we saw in the film when the therapist was working with patients with sever disabilities, This can also relate to dementia patients. Some people with dementia may be unable to really communicate verbally but may be able to through movement and dance. This video had amazing insights for those who family members or loved ones may be affected by dementia, especially the part that talked about the strengths of those with dementia because I feel like it is very easy to forget that these people still have strengths are still capable beings. This is Kristen Mitchell DANC 373 T 7pm
I appreciate how Donna brings our awareness to the fact that living with a cognitive disability, like dementia, requires experiences of feeling safe in the environment, as well as within socio-emotional experiences. Donna eloquently discusses how important non-verbal communication is for the development of safe, social and emotional experiences for those struggling with cognitive decline. As I viewed her talk, I too became aware of how I attended to my own non-verbal experience/body language within my social experiences.
This video was a good presentation on how dementia is viewed in our society and some ways to counteract these behaviors. By moving with the individual and letting them know what an honor it is to dance along side of them, they are able to strengthen neural pathways that they will then be able to tap into when these movements are done by their lonesome. This video was a great representation of what homes should look and act like in order to give dementia patients a comfortable, happy rest of their life.
The description of people with dementia feeling emotionally unsafe really emphasizes the importance of giving them an opportunity to feel in control. Dance movement therapy provides this outlet and I think it is an amazing therapy technique to help people with dementia.
I completely agree with you! Dance movement therapy offers a wonderful way for people with dementia to express themselves, regain a sense of control, and reduce feelings of emotional insecurity.
I really enjoyed the passion that Donna Newman brings to this field. It’s so important to recognize these patients as people who are still living and functioning. Remembering past discussions I have been, I recall hearing that many try to communicate with their loved ones the way they used to when they were well, and this is something we have a hard time letting go off. We feel that we have lost a connection when we can’t continue that same sort of communication. This is very important to understand that we can communicate with our loved ones, we just have to change our ways. She brings to light that we must recognize dementia patients as people who can, not as people who can’t. This is paramount in their treatment and recovery. We are a social animal and it only makes sense to have motivation driven by group work. Hopefully we can implement Donna’s practices and improve the quality of life with these dementia patients.
It is very interesting to hear that those with dementia are much more aware of emotions and feelings of others, I never knew this fact. being more conscious of our own emotions so that we can project positively onto others is something that seems to be of great importance in DMT and it was very interesting to hear about in this talk! Thank you!
I had never fully considered how challenging it can be to set boundaries when faced with confusion or unfamiliar situations. I like that DMT can help people with Dementia do that, and regain a sense of control in their life.
The power of DMT to connect and attune to the non-verbals of other individuals is striking. This especially helps when it comes to working with people who have dementia, so this work was really interesting to learn about.
I love the reverse idea of instead of thinking of a person with dementia and considering what it is they cannot do, focusing on the idea of what they can do and building off that. This connects to a film we watched about people with Parkinson's. The general treatment limits these people, and in a way, dehumanizes them. Having a cognitive disorder like dementia can certainly make movement troublesome, but the freedom of dance, and the safe environment it fosters can be a wonderful way to get moving.
Working in the healthcare system made me recognize the importance of nonverbal communication when working with people with Dementia. I never considered how the speaker emphasizes how difficult it can be to set boundaries when confused about the situation in front of you. I think the speaker's statement of how behaviors are viewed when having to use direct nonverbal communication was very eyeopening for me.
Dance is a form for people with dementia to present themselves. Seldom their actions get mistaken as neutralizing responses and not that they're actually showing visceral sensations and feelings. I love that DMT can be a means for people to represent themselves and feel safe in their bodies.
Yes wonderful presentation. Thank you! my mother had it too....I am now teaching zumba dance movement music at an assisted living facility...I could not believe how these people came to life. the smiles the light in their eyes....
This talk was one that touched on some very personal issues for me. I truly believe that it is incredibly important for our society as a whole to learn how to better interact with our elders, especially those suffering from illnesses such as dementia, in order to live respectfully and mindfully alongside them. The importance of nonverbal communication in such relationships is something that I believe Donna Newman-Bluestein touched on in a very eloquent manner at the beginning of her speech. Nonverbal cues, both those we give and those we receive, say more than people often realize, and can be incredibly helpful in attempting to bridge the gap between ourselves and those around us.
Beautiful presentation, Donna. I so appreciate your respect and your caring for the elderly. You have brought so much to those you have worked with and continue to work with.
Thank you for a great speech. It's very meaningful to understand the reasons behind people's movement or actions to build better connections with each other. I definitely agree that when your attempts to communicate through the body is misunderstood, most people become more aggressive with their movement to be noticed or understood. I am glad that DMT is able to help ease those emotions and create a more peaceful emotional sensation for those with dementia.
I love how she used the participation of the audience to show nonverbal communication and pointed out how frustrating it might be if your nonverbal communication is misunderstood. I also love the point that dance movement therapy focuses on what the client can do.
I really believe in what Donna expressed as "emotional charge;" "there is an emotional energy in all common spaces." Especially with people with dementia, who are "resigned to a routine life," the non-verbal and non-tangible energy in a space is in a way more relevant to them, for internal emotions and rhythms are what they can relate with more. Just as Donna said, "there's an energy inside all of us waiting to be tapped." This was a beautiful talk that lent very valuable insight into a population of our society that we really don't give enough respect or thought.
The explanation of the meaning of movement as communication in the beginning of this talk was very important. I think the therapist, Donna Newman-Bluestein explained and also physically demonstrated this in a very clear and coherent way. I also appreciated her explanation of, “dance/movement therapy builds upon what a person can do”… especially when concerning individuals with dementia. This small change of focus between can do and cannot do can make such a large difference in a therapeutic setting, and in making the life of an individual with dementia easier in their life outside of therapy. The focus and social standards for care for individuals with dementia is a sad one, and I believe that with the use of dance/movement therapy the currently held ideas can be changed into more positive ones. This was a fantastic talk!
The focus on what a client can do is part of basic philosophy of dance/movement therapy. Our work is strength based and it does make a tremendous difference in how a person perceives him or her self and how s/he can reach out and make an impact on others.
This video gave me a very different perspective on this topic. I think it it so important that people are able to see this way of thinking when helping and assisting people with dementia. The focus on non-verbal communication with dementia patients is very critical, and the way in which the patients respond to this type of communication is very important to notice and act upon. I love how she refers to dance and movement therapy as creating a "new dance" because you are improvising and working on the client's strengths. Great video!
I think this video shows the importance of how we need to treat the elderly better. Many people are sent to nursing homes where they are isolated in a room and this is not right. I think one of the strongest things she said was that we tend to think about what a person can’t do. But Dance movement therapy helps build on what a person can do. Ultimately, allowing the patients to be creative and come up with their own movements can stimulate new neuron pathways. Watching them dance and move can also help people understand what they are trying to communicate if they have not been able to do so verbally. Like we have learned throughout the course, our nonverbal movements can communicate immense things. If I make large movements and move quickly that will communicate something different than if I am slow and not making eye contact. Dance movement therapy allows for a new way to understand and connect with individuals who have a unique situation.
Although dementia is a terrible disease, the people who suffer from it are not helpless, even though it may seem that way sometimes. Because they still have control of their arms and head, they are able to be quite eloquent in the nonverbal gestures. The best way to keep them engaged and happy is to move with them through space. Thinking about nonverbal communication, the most relevant aspect is haptics, because touch is one of the only things that dementia patients are still able to do. One of the most essential things that Donna talks about is that dementia patients are still people with dignity, even if they are not fully in control of their minds.
In watching this video, I learned that through movement you can achieve an authentic emotional connection with a person regardless if they are terminally ill. I learned through taking nonverbal communication that it is important to acknowledge, respect, and honor life. It is when this exchange has happened that a person will trust and therefore express and savor life while also feeling safe in their environment What spoke to me the most is that as a member of the human race I must respect human life and to listen to its wisdom and knowledge, no matter how difficult life gets--we must never disconnect from the human experience.
Dementia is a tragic loss of the ability to communicate our basic wants, needs and love of things that used to be familiar. Donna Newman-Bluestein illustrates the importance of dance and movement therapy and the impact it brings to those who have often been forgotten, those around them thinking they have nothing left to contribute. Encouraging those with dementia to participate in these groups gives them a chance to let them feel like they are having an impact and show them that what they do matters, and this will in turn help them participate more. It was wonderful the way she described that those who are participating feel as though what they are doing is impacting those around them, something they probably haven't felt in quite a while. The concept from our class that jumps out in my mind is the loss of regulators, or gestures and movements that maintain and regulate the back and forth between speakers and listeners during dialouge. I can't imagine being stuck in my body without the ability to regulate conversation with those around me. The work Donna is doing with this patients exemplifies the importance of bringing something else to the table to allow the patients to be creative and express themselves. She mentions that our society "warehouses" the older population, and we should instead offer them respect and honor them. I fully believe this should be the case and we should offer them the respect of finding other ways to allow them to contribute and be themselves, even in the ways they aren't used to. They have plenty left to give and experience in this world, we owe it to them.
Agree, I enjoyed how the speaker reframed the narrative around dementia by emphasizing what individuals with dementia can do rather than focusing solely on what they can't and how they can regain control.
This video is so important as it reminds us how our actions can impact other individuals. Non-verbal communication accounts for so much of our communication and it is imperative that we reflect on how we are being perceived by others, especially if they have a cognitive disability such as dementia. As a CNA, it is easy to get overwhelmed during a 12 hour shift, but it is vital that we do not show that when entering into a room of someone with dementia.
Great points! Consciously thinking about our energies entering space is extremely important, whether it be in a therapeutic setting or not, with individuals with dementia or not, etc.
I love how this video focuses on strength-based therapy. The focus in working with patients is on their strengths and what they can do, not about fixing their weaknesses. It is also very relationship focused, bringing that to the forefront of the therapy. Using this kind of positive therapy to respect and relate to our elders is indicative of a culture that respects the old and the sick.
I agree with this. It is cool that they work with patients to further their strengths instead of fixing their weaknesses like you said. I especially think this is important with older people since it sometimes is too late to fix their weaknesses anyways.
One particularly striking example was the use of familiar music combined with simple, guided movement to trigger recognition and evoke positive emotional responses. The speaker described how even individuals with advanced dementia were able to engage through rhythmic movement, smiling and making eye contact, showing a temporary but powerful connection to their past.
I agree. The use of rhythmic music to connect someone with Dementia with their memory is such important and exciting new body of research. I hope implementing movement with the use of music can help people maintain the ability to move safely for longer and reach new portions of their memory they may not have been able to by just using music.
Donna Newman-Bluestein demonstrates the importance of nonverbal communication between caregiver and Dementia patients by relating the audience to the plight of those afflicted with dementia. I thought it was particularly interesting in the manor she went about explaining non-verbal communication. She first broke up the part by stating what it was (posture, our shapes around others, space, and rhythms) and then demonstrating the differing values of each. For example when given rhythms, she first speeds up her hands to demonstrate the quick or accelerate movement in time, and then slows down her movements to highlight the sustained or decelerate movement in time. Simple yet effective way to communicate the different categories of movement without actually stating them in verbal communication.
Donna Newman-Bluestein discusses how people with diminishing cognitive abilities depend on their individual feelings about the environment and the people in it to feel safe. As dementia affects the individual’s attempts to communicate, the person relies on nonverbal attempts to communicate. Dance movement therapy targets the lack of sensory inhibition in clients with dementia and frees them up, allowing them to be present. Patients in dance movement therapy are showered with stimuli and observed as they respond. When they see that their movements are being mirrored, it allows them to notice that they are making an impact and are being seen. New neural pathways are developing as therapists interact and engage with dementia patients. It is important when Donna says that “we honor them when we dance with them”, because these elderly people that suffer from advance dementia are being locked away. They are being forgotten. It is important to invite them to be present in the moment and allow them to be them, in their last days, while they still can.
Donna Newman-Bluestein talks about how Dance Movement Therapy is about forging a healing relationship where dance and movement create a loving and welcoming environment through nonverbal communication. People with dementia have been forgotten by society but they are still humans that seek emotional attachment and recognition from others, they just lack motivation. People with dementia can actually be very lively with they receive attention. Dance movement therapy builds on what a person can do. Newman-Bluestein goes on to talk about how our body movements can express how one is feeling. We talked about these movements knows as effort qualities in class. In the video she also went over how we can create loving and caring environments through our posture, which we discussed has a major influence in nonverbal communication. One of the things that stood out to me in her talk was when she mentioned that it is important to honor people with dementia's decision to resist as much as any other choice.
Individuals with dementia are very real, genuine, and aware of everyone’s feelings. However, they need tons of attentions because they lack motivation and they need to be reminded of how to connect to things and other people. They become empowered when they see reactions and when they see that they had an affect on something. We learn that the older we get, the less tough we experience, but this is extremely important, especially with people with dementia. They need interaction and extra care. While they interact, it is important to watch their body and see if they are closed off, reaching for something, holding back their arms, or any other movement they make. These are very important because they describe how that individual feels even thought hey cannot say t in words. I think it is very important to highlight the fact that when people think of individuals with dementia, they automatically think about the things that that individual is unable to do, rather than all of the other aspects of their life. “They remain a person [and] dance movement therapy builds on what a person can do.” This is something that everyone should remember.
Dementia is a very interesting population for DMT. DMT is not only viewed as a therapy, but as a form of expression/ communication. This group can definitely benefit from DMT. Very inspiring.
Dementia is unfortunately one of the fastest growing and most impactful issues the elderly community is being faced with. She passion for this population is radiant as she want to make change to assure the coming generations do not go though all the same battles.
Dementia is an incredibly confusing and painful illness for the people suffering from its symptoms as well as those who love the patients. The biggest trouble with dementia is that the victims lose many of their verbal capabilities and have a great deal of communicating their emotions with those who are not willing to alter their own communication style to understand and respond appropriately. However, through the use of nonverbal comm and dance therapy, professionals and loved ones are able to bring the patients out of their feelings of helplessness. As we discussed in class, the use of space, time, direction and force play a big role in interacting and communicating with those who can only communicate nonverbally. Although our elders suffer from an illness which robs them off full comprehension and communication capabilities, they are not obsolete and useless people. They are still human beings with a lot of knowledge, love and energy to offer the world. All it takes is someone willing to try a different method of communicating.
"Nonverbal is defined by what it isn't- that is not words". This is such an interesting statement and I really liked how she related that to our communication and space we use. I like how she further related that to dementia and misunderstood gestures. I do want to point out that she uses the phrase "confined to a wheelchair" when talking about individuals with disabilities. It is impolite to refer to someone being stuck or reliant on a wheelchair. This is because, as she stated, we should focus on what a person can do. A better phrase would be "an individual who uses a wheelchair." Otherwise, nice talk. Thank you.
This is Donna. Thank you for pointing out that the phrase "confined to a wheelchair" is disrespectful. That is an important reminder that can cause suffering, and I will be conscious of how I phrase that in the future. At the same time, there are many people with dementia who are actually forced to be in wheelchairs, not because they cannot walk, but because it is easier to make sure they are safe, rather than having sufficient staff to walk with them or providing them with regular exercises specifically to improve their balance.
This video justified why my family chose not to place my grandmother in a home when she was diagnosed with dementia. Placing her in a home was not going to help in any way. Sadly, its true what she says that people only focus on what dementia patients can't do, often forgetting that they just need extra motivation and social interaction. She states that dance movement therapy does the exact opposite of what people tend to do with those who suffer from dementia. Dance movement therapy highlights what dementia patients can do, what their body can still communicate nonverbally. Also how we react nonverbally is essential to their condition; this reminded me of the efforts exercises we did in class using direct and indirect movements, quick or sustained movements and strong and light movements.
Donna Newman-Bluestein discusses the importance of being able to interpret the body movements that people with dementia are trying to communicating. Newman-Bluestein describes how our body movements can express one's state of mind. Our attitudes are conveyed through movements. These movements are known as effort qualities. Moving in a certain way, speed, or direction can affect our mood as well as communicate amongst one another. Newman-Bluestein explains that when we misinterpret these movements they become behaviors of dementia. Then this is when people with dementia close up and refrain from communicating. We need to be aware of any adaptors that may be communicating negative signs of emotion. As well as focusing on posture to react to any signage of reservation or submission. Newman-Bluestein mentions her talk that even when a person can longer function they are still a person. Many times we assume that since he/she is unable to communicate or move then there is no use. Our minds are still working, we are still listening, watching, and feeling everything around us. There is bound to be some type of reaction.
I had never before thought of how patients with dementia have a greater socioemotional intelligence as they rely on others nonverbal cues and the energy in a room to get their cues on how to navigate the world rather than their own memories.
That's such an insightful point! It really shifts the perspective on how individuals with dementia interact with the world. Their heightened sensitivity to nonverbal cues and the energy around them speaks to a different kind of intelligence-one that’s rooted in presence and connection rather than memory.
This was also a new idea for me to consider. I felt so many times during my work as a CNA how patients with dementia were able to generate perceptions about me from something as simple as walking into their room. I hope that through this understanding I can work to improve my nonverbal communication to put patients at ease.
I really liked how the speaker stated how DMT can create curiosity and creation that can help the neural pathways develop and make patients with dementia feel seen heard and appreciated. I believe that DMT can be used is such a positive way for patients with dementia that can create safe and caring environments to improve their wellbeing.
Individuals suffering from dementia often feel emotionally unsafe due to a change in how they are treated by those around them as the disease progressively causes cognitive degeneration. Through dance movement therapy, nonverbal communication aids to help those with the disease to express themselves in a more free and effective manner. Albeit verbal language is one of the first processes to go, dance movement therapy is an incredibly useful outlet since 93% of communication occurs non-verbally. Touch is a human biological need, and consequently, the older one gets the less touch they receive. The implementation of haptic communication through the use of dance movement therapy is physiologically and psychologically beneficial. Dr. Newman does well to communicate to her listeners that although these people are suffering from a cognitive condition, they are still people, and as such, deserve to be treated better.
In every space and moment there is an emotional charge or energy & dementia patients are quite good at picking up on others feelings, which could make them feel judged or emotionally unsafe. DMT creates a loving, caring environment through NVC, like posture, the way we move in our kinesphere. The way you move with patients will convey your attitude to patients. It's interesting that dementia patients have a strong energy inside them, dormant. DMT helps bring this energy and emotional sensitivity out.
I had no idea that dementia patients could pick up on so much. I never noticed but they do demonstrate a lot of nonverbal feelings. I am glad that DMT focuses on this form of communication that people with dementia use and create a safe space for them. This is a great post and I love how you focused on the way dementia patients pick up on movements and exhibit nonverbal cues.
People with dementia are unable to access motivation, have lost their ability to judge, and they feel safe through their social and emotional environment. Dance movement therapy creates an environment that allows them to not only feel safe, but also recognized. Society has forgotten about people with dementia and it seems like they are locked away, but they are still human beings with human emotional needs. Dance movement therapists can determine their needs by looking at their nvc, such as their effort movements. Sometimes when they are exposed to certain stimuli, people with dementia they can withdraw, which can give clues to the type of attention one may need. In the end, it is important to honor those who "paved the road" before us, because they matter.
The presenter Donna Newman-Bluestein talks about how it is important to touch and connect to the elderly with or without dementia. In today’s society we put our elderly into retirement homes and forget about them and what they need the most and that’s human interaction. Newman-Bluestein really stresses the importance touch has on people and how we function but especially the effect on the elderly. She also speaks about how they are still very able to communicate their effort and interest in the activities through their quality of movement. My biggest take away from this presenter is the urgency of how important touch is to for us as people and for how we communicate or don’t communicate with others.
This presentation took nearly ideas on movement that applied to everyone and showed how they also apply to the elderly and those suffering with dementia. I've never put much thought into the treatment of reality, but it seems terrible for them to be "warehoused" and limiting and demeaning to be seen for what they CAN'T do. If these have/do get momentum they likely have/will make profoundly positive change in the treatment of elders in general, not to mention those with mental disorders.
I went back to Ballet because of my mental health and it really helped, My UA-cam channel also works with simple ballet movements with something for everyone that they can do in their own houses.
The speaker seems so caring and helpful to the community she works in. I've had a small amount of exposure to the elderly community with dance movement therapy but never with dyslexia. I think it would be extremely rewarding however I can only imagine the difficulty that must come with it. I enjoyed that the speaker touched on why we should work with the elderly with dymensia. It inspired me and made me want to work with this community despite the difficulty.
"If your attempts to communicate are misunderstood and thought to be symptomatic of dementia, rather than communicative, it is likely they'll be disregarded. And then you'll have to make your movements stronger, quicker, more direct, and those will be considered 'behaviors'."
DMTs like Donna tune into and show respect to the nonverbal communication, honor choice, and highlight the life of the individual, rather than the disease.
This is such an insightful talk. I appreciated the reframing and strengths-based approach Donna highlights for working with individuals with dementia. Mirroring is something often discussed in dance/movement therapy but this talk so clearly lays out the value of the approach within this community as a form of empowerment, relational affirmation, and cognitive development. The meaning and connection to societal values helped for me to contextual the purpose of working with this community and speaks to a larger need for respecting the aging process within our society.
Donna sets the stage for her audience to view individuals who have dementia from a strengths-based, humanistic perspective, opening the door for viewers to gain deeper understanding of living with dementia as well as learn how dance/movement therapy serves this population. I really enjoyed Donna’s energy and commitment to sharing her knowledge and wisdom with her verbal and non-verbal communication, especially in guiding her audience to identify everyday communication styles that also relate to individuals who have dementia. She clearly and personably describes the experiences of living with dementia in a very humane way, emphasizing the relationship in dance/movement therapy as a catalyst for healing, motivation, validation, and empowerment. The pictures served as wonderful visualizations of the relationship and “delightfully playful” presence of each person involved in the group. Donna also warmly affirms the individual’s need to be “seen, heard, appreciated” and respected, even if that person refuses to participate. Her passionate and honest conclusion beautifully epitomizes the essence of the talk as well as motivates the audience to reflect upon current societal norms and embrace the importance of our elders, individuals with dementia, and honoring them with tender care, respect, love, time, relationship, and dance. Thank you Donna for sharing!
Thank you Donna! I love how passionate you are about your work. I agree that the way we treat older individuals says a lot about our cultural values. Finding ways to increase the quality of life and care that we provide for older adults is something that still needs more focus in the U.S. The idea of dance/movement therapy building on what a person is so inspiring. It is sad to see individuals disregarded and I would love to see more opportunities for older adults to access DMT services. I love what you said in towards the end about how we pay honor when we dance with, relate to, and attempt to understand older adults with dementia. So important and I hope more people can adopt this mindset.
Donna's authenticity and deep empathy for our elders shines through in this talk. I had the privilege to interview Dr. Newman-Bluestein last year about working with individuals with dementia, and it is so clear how intentional and caring she is. In working with elders with dementia, oftentimes, caregivers talk down to them or focus, as Donna said, on what they can't do. We must remember to honor their autonomy as people. I loved how Donna said, "It is just as important to honor their refusal as any other choice."
I have worked with the elderly with dementia in an assisted living. It is highly possible that they don't remember who I am when I greet them every morning, but I resonated with Donna's ADTA talk about how to communicate a sense of safety with this population. The residents have mastered the skills in attuning to other's feelings including the staffs, the care partners, and the family members who come to visit. Through my non-verbal communication, they can easily tell that if I am an "old friend" who have been working with them every day. The way I present and use my body language, facial expression, tone and voice, and body movement naturally communicated how our relationship has been. They know that they are safe to see me and that I am here to be present and support them. Experiencing cognitive deterioration can make communication very challenging and devastating, but I believe in our ability to use our body and DMT to communicate with this adorable and lovely population. It is all about the authenticity, simplicity, and LOVE in us that affect theirs and our relationships.
Donna's presentation gave me grounding to a population that I am unfamiliar with. She engaged the audience with excellent imagery for the audience to embody. Although I empathized with individuals with dementia, I had never felt an ease in attuning to their needs. Providing a sensory lens for individuals experiencing dementia helped me understand the potential needs, wants, and challenges on a body level. I can see these same principles applying to individuals who have experienced trauma. I love the way she phrased that they need sensory info that is both culturally and personally relevant to invite presence.
I have never had the opportunity to work with the elderly dementia population, but this talk definitely has peaked my interest. Her emphasis on relationship and recognizing the response of the clients to props, etc. speaks to the client-centered approach that DMT seeks to create. Her compassion for this population shows through out the whole video, but particularly at the end when she speaks to how the way we treat older adults reflects societal values. By engaging with older adults on a body level, we offer them the opportunity to become embodied before the end of their lives.
I thought the ending was super powerful too. I think we sometimes focus on children because they have so much life left to live, but we forget to pay tribute tothose that have lived long lives before us. It was a beautiful talk!
I enjoyed Donna Newman-Bluestein's emphasis on human relationships and emotion. I appreciate her perspective on non-verbal communication, specifically how she describes the non-verbal elements as "resources otherwise lying dormant." I agree that by extending our awareness and accessing the nonverbal aspects of communication and relationship, we open up the possibilities far beyond what can be done solely through words. I also appreciate the idea of focusing on ability rather than disability. This talk inspires viewers to rethink the way we relate with and treat elders, especially those with dementia--a necessary endeavor for DMTs and non-DMTs alike.
Thank you Donna for such an insightful, powerful, and relevant talk! Even 8 years later, we still see the continuous pattern of disregard for elders, especially with those living with dementia. I greatly appreciate the emphasis on empowerment and client-voice and choice because so often in the U.S, individuals are quick to dismiss any or all agency an elder might have simply due to the fact that the elder is elderly. I feel very inspired and re-excited about understanding the body's knowledge and movement as communication and as choice.
This was such a powerful talk, thank you Donna for sharing your knowledge and experiences. I appreciate the emphasis on taking a strengths-based approach and recognizing people for what they are capable of and have to offer. I'm moved by the perspective of dancing as paying honor to those who have come before us. Movement is a beautiful tool to communicate respect and to validate.
I greatly appreciated Donna's strengths-based introduction to the population - identifying their mastery in the social-emotional realm. She highlights the importance of self-witnessing in DMT and arguably all caregivers - being aware of the energy we bring into the room. Having led movement groups with a group struggling with dementia, I deeply resonate with the story about responding to a bright red ball. I've found these grounding and community-strengthening directives bring up individual's authenticity and spontaneity - whether participating or refusing. As Donna mentioned, this authenticity draws in the group leader, deepening their presence. "Shower them with stimuli, and let them respond." The leader need only offers an invitation and support as needed, letting the individuals' personalities shine through their dance play.
Thank you, Kari. Yes, led their personalities shine through their dance play.
Donna brings great awareness to a horrible illness like dementia and does a terrific job educating the public on how important dance therapy can be used to treat it. Many people with dementia are unavailable to access motivation and they need the support of others to help them get in touch to their intrinsic motivation. She explains how dance movement therapy can be used as that spark to get their motivation lifted by having dance and movement as the primary median.
Thank you, Donna! Such a beautiful and comprehensive presentation. It is very heartwarming when they mentioned that it is important for us to care about people with dementia because of respect and compassion.
I appreciate how the speaker highlighted the power of movement in helping people regain a sense of control, especially in times when they may feel helpless or disconnected. The idea that Dance Movement Therapy can foster curiosity and creativity to enhance neural activity is such an inspiring concept, especially when working with patients with dementia.
I greatly appreciate the interactive component of Donna Newman-Bluestein’s presentation. She presented the audience with tools to understand how nonverbal communication is extremely important for those struggling with Dementia. Newman-Bluestein points out that through nonverbal communication, you can still acknowledge, respect, and honor those who have Dementia. She also acknowledged that dance/movement therapy builds upon what a person can do and then focuses on the strengths of what a person can bring to the movement experience. It was a powerful speech, and allowed me to understand the importance of using DMT when working with dementia patients.
Thank you, Maegan, for taking the time to comment.
I really like using movement for those with dementia, because while words may be hard to describe how one feels, movement truly is a universal language and there is no correct way to do it, and it may help those effectively communicate.
I think with the average lifespan increasing, as well as the number of people who are living in nursing homes or who are experiencing dementia is increasing, providing this population with therapy and creative outlets is important to their health. Dance/movement therapy would benefit this population very much in allowing them to explore their movement and emotions as well as to form meaningful relationships. Connection to their bodies and their movement can really improve their quality of life, so I think Donna's work is extremely relevant and powerful!
Donna Newman-Bluestein's talk hit close to home as I lost my Grandfather last year, who had Dementia in the last couple years of his life. While I don't think he was treated badly to any extent, I wish my family and I had more tools and knowledge of what Donna presented on to better enhance my Grandfather's experience in a nursing home as well as be better able to communicate with him. I think it is crucial to look at what they can do rather than focus on what they can't do and hold them with higher regard as people we have so much to learn from. I also think her talk was well done using audience engagement. Well done talk and such an important topic.
Donns seems very caring and passionate about helping those with dementia. I liked how she broke down that most movements are not seen as much due to them being non-verbal movements. Those often turn into behaviors because they are not being listened to. This was eye-opening to me as a person who works with people who are often non-verbal.
This video breaks my heart in a very powerful way. Had I watched this just a year ago, or even just last semester, I wouldn't have resonated with it as much as I do now. My grandmother is in a nursing home, and her cognitive awareness seems to be declining very quickly. She's forgetting people's names, words for objects, can't recognize the house she lived in for 30 years, can't recognize her own son... So I watch this video now with my grandma in mind. And at about the 4:30 minute mark, I had tears in my eyes. "We think almost exclusively about what the person can't do". And sure enough, that's how I was thinking about my grandma. She "can't" recognize a house, "forgets" names, "can't" remember her son... After the 4:30 mark, I started to think about everything in a new way. Rather than thinking of her as confined in a wheelchair and unable to remember my name, I think about when I went to see her for Mother's Day and she was so eager to pet a dog that had come to the nursing home. How she'd point at things she thought were interesting, or she'd smile and giggle softly when she received her Mother's Day brunch meal. She didn't talk much, but her eyes were bright as she listened to the rest of us talk to each other and to her, and it was a beautiful experience.
Despite everything she's "lost", my grandma is still a person and she is still incredibly compassionate and sweet. When we wanted to connect and bond with her by playing a game after brunch, she was engaged and playful, making large movements and raising her fists above her head in a show of joy, and I felt myself filling with joy as well, and I'd cheer along with her. Dr. Newman-Bluestein really nails it on the head with recognizing how our emotions impact others, and remembering that everyone is still a real person and they deserve to be connected with and loved.
Donna Newman-Bluestein reminds people of how important movement and nonverbal communication is with people with dementia. Using movement and nonverbal communication can create a specific type of energy in a room, which may result in a person with dementia feeling safe in that environment, which is what they always want. Without nonverbal communication, it is really possible that the person with dementia may not feel safe or happy in that exact moment. Something as simple as a hug, smile, or eye contact can give him or her permission to be present and truthful in that moment. I also agree with Newman-Bluestein on how important it is for people to be genuine. It is always so beautiful to witness someone who is being completely genuine, especially people with dementia, for it is known they do feel safe in that specific environment. Also in regards to what Newman-Bluestein briefly discussed, people with dementia would have a hard time being genuine if they are warehoused all the time, for no one if there to comfort them and make them feel safe. Love, comfort, and dance can seriously do so much for those people.
All too often our elderly live out their final days feeling misunderstood or disconnected. It is encouraging to hear Donna advocate the importance of providing genuine care for our grandparents, parents, and other elderly persons in our lives so that they too can experience vitality (in whatever form of expression that it may manifest!).
"When some people think about dementia, they think almost exclusively about what the person can't do". I love how this speaker acknowledged what people with dementia can do. I think that only viewing those with dementia as what they cannot do takes away their autonomy, and DMT gives it back.
I agree with her when she says that in our everyday lives, not enough attention is paid to the social and emotional environment. But, many people depend on these environments to feel safe. Therefore, there needs to be more attention in recognizing these environments, especially within ourselves in order to help others who need them to feel safe.
My mother has experience as a caregiver and i often ask her about treatment with those who have dementia. She told me that it takes alot of patience and gentle touch. I think that dance movement therapy helps the patients with muscle memory it can benefit communication between the patient's family members. My non verbal communication course helped me better understand how important the message of the movement and how to treat someone who has difficulty with movement. Simply because they have a condition, or illness, its especially important that they are kept in mind and helped with healing.
What a wonderful reminder to focus on what abilities people have versus their weakness. People are so important, no matter the age, and I think this was a wonderful reminder that older adults deserve recognition and a time for expression. Allowing older adults, especially those with dementia or other illness, experience the ability to express themselves and what they are going through, is incredible and I realize is so important. Thank you for sharing.
I am so touched by the way the speaker expresses her care for her clients. The idea of honoring our elders through dance is such a powerful one, and I can clearly see the passion she holds for her clients. This is displayed by her ability to hold a space where refusal and “No” is welcome, where the clients are truly empowered.
I love that Donna mentioned how important it is to honor the client's refusal. From my experience, people with dementia can sometimes be in a reality that is different than ours and to respect that is to respect when we are not needed in it. Thank you Donna!
Interesting! I have never had experience from anyone with dementia, so it is intriguing to hear about other's experiences with it and how they deal with it or how it affects them.
I love that Donna is so receptive and understanding of nonverbal communication. By extending our awareness and understanding of nonverbal communication, we can open up many possibilities and deeper understandings that can go beyond words alone. I also love that she creates a loving, energetic, and caring environment something sadly most nursing homes don't have
Yes! I am glad that she accepts people for what they have and works with what they have. Yes, by really focusing on all forms of communication, Donna is able to form more complete connections with her patients.
This is a wonderful talk. Having been able to work in a dementia care unit, I have seen all sides of dementia and both the positive and negative effects it can have. Donna Newman-Bluestein paints a beautiful picture on how important physical reactions and interactions can be when someone with dementia may not otherwise be able to express themselves. I love how she highlights the need for a loving and welcoming environment for people with dementia to be in and how they can thrive when given the chance to, especially through dance therapy.
She definitely understands the importance of nonverbal communications. I love how she accepts people for who they are and focus on what they can do, instead of what they can't. Dance movement therapy helps people because they focus on what people can do. This positive attitude and encouragement helps people believe that they can heal, which is a huge part. I am glad that Donna helps an underserved population, dementia patients, because she noticed that family members in that population needed help. And she helped them.
"Dance movement therapy helps people because they focus on what people can do." I definitely agree, and that is probably my favorite thing about DMT.
Thank you for your thoughts. Yes this seemed like an important moment to me too, using a strengths based approach and focusing on what people can do rather than what they can’t do. It opens up so many options when you shift perspective to thinking about what’s possible rather than impossible in a situation.
Donna's work with individuals and groups of people dealing with dementia is well known in dance/movement therapy circles. I hope this talk brings her work further out, to educate everyone as to the importance of moving in the moment, being with as she says, "our mothers and fathers," allowing them to be seen and heard and valued. The non-verbal connections that dance/movement therapists utilize is a perfect medium for communicating and celebrating with this population. Donna, the beauty of your being comes out in this talk. It is inspirational.
In this video Donna spoke about how Dance therapy help people with Dementia, before watching this I had no clue what dementia was. Dementia is when one is depending upon a large environment to make them feel safe they are able feel others emotions. We have to create a loving and caring environment through NVC, in my class we learned about scadfish which is based upon facial expressions, if you have a sad facial expression anyone would know, also kinesics different types of movement. Donna mentioned That if you do one movement or a particular Posture you have different reactions. One thing that would work for someone with dementia is being strong, quick and direct when you are trying to get something or let something be known. One thing that stood out to me was how she was saying that people with Dementia are about to feel other emotions like the law of attraction of your energy is low and you seen down that person will not approach you. Over all I really enjoyed this video the most.
My grandfather suffers from dementia and Alzheimers and the first thing my family agreed on was not sending him to a nursing home. The biggest challenge with patients who suffer from dementia is communication. Many lose their ability to verbally communicate therefore through nonverbal communication and DMT, patients are in control again. A hug, smile, eye contact, touch (haptics) all are gestures that I know makes my grandfather feel present, comfortable, and loved. Donna Newman-Bluestein mentions how dementia patients still have their dignity and it is very true. I've seen it with my grandfather. I think Dance/Movement Therapy is so amazing for dementia patients because it's a way on communication that they are now familiar with.
Really appreciated this context for understanding how people with dementia read body and social cues, and how their own cues are often ignored because of their dementia. I think this can be seen in other spaces culturally when people are viewed as dependent or needing management of some kind, like the cues of children and people with disabilities also being ignored or taken less seriously by some. I also liked the framing of DMT builds on what a person can do, rather than focusing on what they can’t do.
I do not have a personal connection with Dementia, but I do wonder how this may impact me in the future. It can be a scary place where you are unable to be grounded. I would want to be able to communicate in a sturdy way in the future. I am unaware if Dementia runs in the family, but even if it does could there be anything to prevent the negative aspects of the diagnosis? I read somewhere that practicing something tactile focused would-be great preparation before fully having Dementia, is this true?
This talk impacted me professionally by creating a thoughtful questioning process. With movement being a core aspect of a person’s life then what specific techniques could benefit Dementia individuals? I believe that consistency is good with these clients, but I agree with the presenter. The main focus on these individuals is on the limitations not the strengths of the Dementia individual. If those with Dementia are freer in their language and speaking, then how would you regulate the self when the client mentions either upsetting information or unfair situations in session. For example, what if the client spoke about something that happened in their family and it was a long-held secret for the family. Would that then be believed to be true or untrue? If it was true would that be spoken about with the family or left to the client since it poses no threat to anyone? In providing sensory stimuli to these clientele how would you know which sense they connect to easiest? Movement is beautiful and I know that it brings out the inner creativity for the dementia clientele along with using props as a good outlet. Are there any specific props that were seen to be most effective with sparking creativity such as scarves versus octobands or objects that make sound versus those that have no sound?
Q/Comment/suggestions-
I liked the example on noticing the body changes that happen when individuals are scared of someone versus if someone is interested in the other. Body language speaks volumes compared to spoken word. Are there any specific cultural aspects you use when exploring this population? What specific movement analysis/assessment would be used to observe the client’s movement during session?
This is a great presentation, the audience is so engaged. I love how she pauses in movement to describe non verbal communication. I like how she talks about thinking about what a person with dementia can bring! How our elders deserve better and deserve our attention. I think it is great how dance movement therapy recognizes that rejecting to do something is as important as wanting to do something.
I really enjoyed how Donna used a strengths-based approach, focusing on what a person with dementia can do instead of dwelling on what they cannot do. She emphasized how this population can be incredibly playful and can reach some amazing places with their creativity. Donna discussed how a person with dementia can tell when their feelings are being recognized and are being mirrored back to them. Even when they may not longer have the same abilities as they once had, that ability to understand that acceptance and reflection stays with them, and it is so important. It’s especially important when considering how this population oftentimes loses has their opportunities to say “yes” or “no” to things. Caretakers, whether they mean to or not, will sometimes take away the right to make their own choices from the person with dementia. This can worsen the progression of this disease and make the person turn more and more within themselves. By giving them the opportunity to chose what they do in a group or whether or not they even want to participate, it can better their relationship with those around them and increase their feelings of autonomy and independence, even if it is just for a short period of time.
This made me reflect on my past work with seniors diagnosed with dementia. Similar to what Donna shared, I worked to honor everyone’s choice. If there was a person who did not want to participate, I would let them know that I understood their opinion and thanked them for letting me know. They would respond positively, and sometimes they seemed surprised at my response. After having their opportunities to have a choice stripped from them, being able to make their own decisions is totally new. And it makes such a big difference. It’s those little moments that can strengthen your relationship with them and create trust. Whether or not they may explicitly remember, it will stay with them. While it may seem like a small thing for us, it can be so big and impactful for them.
This video shows a great insight of how dance/movement therapy can help those with dementia. When an elderly is diagnosis with dementia it is heart breaking and members of the family may lose hope in helping them retrieve those memories lost and perform daily tasks. But she explains how they are a sense of energy waiting to be unleashed and what they need is love and attention knowing that the environment they are living in is safe.
I couldn't agree more with so many of the points Donna made in her presentation. I think it is very true that so many of our elderly are cast aside and left to live out their days with little interaction. This is heartbreaking. Both of my grandparents have dementia and although they are often forgetful they are still vibrant individuals. Donna's work with dance/movement therapy allows her clients to utilize the abilities they still have. This control is important because it might be some of the only time they get to make decisions for themselves
When some people think about dementia they think almost exclusively about what the person cannot do, "whether or not they can understand or express themselves verbally, recognize people, know where they are or what time it is, how to take care of themselves". Dance movement therapist Donna Newman-Bluestein states that dance movement therapy builds on what a person can do and she focuses on the strengths of what a person can bring. Many people with dementia need support from others and an environment that provides sufficient sensory stimulation "that is culturally and personally relevant". This helps them connect to their intrinsic motivation. This type of therapy lets the participant know that they are seen, heard and appreciated. Something that really stands out to me is that when people see their movement being reflected back to them they recognize that they are having an impact, which empowers them. This relates to the lesson in Nonverbal Communications class about mirroring technique in dance therapy. The patient feels supported and comfortable to express themselves because they feel that their feelings matter.
Newman-Bluestein talks about hoe patients with dementia are very aware of others feelings, and “excel” at tapping into other feelings. She talks about those of us who give them care need to create a loving environment for them and how we might do that. She also focuses on the strengths of patients with dementia. This related to the film we watched in class about Dance Movement Therapy and how dance movement therapists are able to communicate with patients on a level that speaks to them, and in a way they are able to. Like we saw in the film when the therapist was working with patients with sever disabilities, This can also relate to dementia patients. Some people with dementia may be unable to really communicate verbally but may be able to through movement and dance. This video had amazing insights for those who family members or loved ones may be affected by dementia, especially the part that talked about the strengths of those with dementia because I feel like it is very easy to forget that these people still have strengths are still capable beings.
This is Kristen Mitchell DANC 373 T 7pm
I appreciate how Donna brings our awareness to the fact that living with a cognitive disability, like dementia, requires experiences of feeling safe in the environment, as well as within socio-emotional experiences. Donna eloquently discusses how important non-verbal communication is for the development of safe, social and emotional experiences for those struggling with cognitive decline. As I viewed her talk, I too became aware of how I attended to my own non-verbal experience/body language within my social experiences.
This video was a good presentation on how dementia is viewed in our society and some ways to counteract these behaviors. By moving with the individual and letting them know what an honor it is to dance along side of them, they are able to strengthen neural pathways that they will then be able to tap into when these movements are done by their lonesome. This video was a great representation of what homes should look and act like in order to give dementia patients a comfortable, happy rest of their life.
The description of people with dementia feeling emotionally unsafe really emphasizes the importance of giving them an opportunity to feel in control. Dance movement therapy provides this outlet and I think it is an amazing therapy technique to help people with dementia.
I completely agree with you! Dance movement therapy offers a wonderful way for people with dementia to express themselves, regain a sense of control, and reduce feelings of emotional insecurity.
I really enjoyed the passion that Donna Newman brings to this field. It’s so important to recognize these patients as people who are still living and functioning. Remembering past discussions I have been, I recall hearing that many try to communicate with their loved ones the way they used to when they were well, and this is something we have a hard time letting go off. We feel that we have lost a connection when we can’t continue that same sort of communication. This is very important to understand that we can communicate with our loved ones, we just have to change our ways.
She brings to light that we must recognize dementia patients as people who can, not as people who can’t. This is paramount in their treatment and recovery. We are a social animal and it only makes sense to have motivation driven by group work. Hopefully we can implement Donna’s practices and improve the quality of life with these dementia patients.
It is very interesting to hear that those with dementia are much more aware of emotions and feelings of others, I never knew this fact. being more conscious of our own emotions so that we can project positively onto others is something that seems to be of great importance in DMT and it was very interesting to hear about in this talk! Thank you!
I had never fully considered how challenging it can be to set boundaries when faced with confusion or unfamiliar situations. I like that DMT can help people with Dementia do that, and regain a sense of control in their life.
The power of DMT to connect and attune to the non-verbals of other individuals is striking. This especially helps when it comes to working with people who have dementia, so this work was really interesting to learn about.
I love the reverse idea of instead of thinking of a person with dementia and considering what it is they cannot do, focusing on the idea of what they can do and building off that. This connects to a film we watched about people with Parkinson's. The general treatment limits these people, and in a way, dehumanizes them. Having a cognitive disorder like dementia can certainly make movement troublesome, but the freedom of dance, and the safe environment it fosters can be a wonderful way to get moving.
Working in the healthcare system made me recognize the importance of nonverbal communication when working with people with Dementia. I never considered how the speaker emphasizes how difficult it can be to set boundaries when confused about the situation in front of you. I think the speaker's statement of how behaviors are viewed when having to use direct nonverbal communication was very eyeopening for me.
Dance is a form for people with dementia to present themselves. Seldom their actions get mistaken as neutralizing responses and not that they're actually showing visceral sensations and feelings. I love that DMT can be a means for people to represent themselves and feel safe in their bodies.
Yes wonderful presentation. Thank you! my mother had it too....I am now teaching zumba dance movement music at an assisted living facility...I could not believe how these people came to life. the smiles the light in their eyes....
Inspiring and heartfelt... thank you for this talk about Dance/Movement Therapy and people who are living with Dementia.
This talk was one that touched on some very personal issues for me. I truly believe that it is incredibly important for our society as a whole to learn how to better interact with our elders, especially those suffering from illnesses such as dementia, in order to live respectfully and mindfully alongside them. The importance of nonverbal communication in such relationships is something that I believe Donna Newman-Bluestein touched on in a very eloquent manner at the beginning of her speech. Nonverbal cues, both those we give and those we receive, say more than people often realize, and can be incredibly helpful in attempting to bridge the gap between ourselves and those around us.
Beautiful presentation, Donna. I so appreciate your respect and your caring for
the elderly. You have brought so much to those you have worked with and continue to work with.
Thank you for a great speech. It's very meaningful to understand the reasons behind people's movement or actions to build better connections with each other. I definitely agree that when your attempts to communicate through the body is misunderstood, most people become more aggressive with their movement to be noticed or understood. I am glad that DMT is able to help ease those emotions and create a more peaceful emotional sensation for those with dementia.
I love how she used the participation of the audience to show nonverbal communication and pointed out how frustrating it might be if your nonverbal communication is misunderstood. I also love the point that dance movement therapy focuses on what the client can do.
I really believe in what Donna expressed as "emotional charge;" "there is an emotional energy in all common spaces." Especially with people with dementia, who are "resigned to a routine life," the non-verbal and non-tangible energy in a space is in a way more relevant to them, for internal emotions and rhythms are what they can relate with more. Just as Donna said, "there's an energy inside all of us waiting to be tapped." This was a beautiful talk that lent very valuable insight into a population of our society that we really don't give enough respect or thought.
Thank you, Ansley. I'm glad if this video helped you experience your own emotional energy and to think of it in relation to people with dementia.
Wonderful...you are such an inspiration Donna.
Fabulous! Articulate. Clear. Wise. Exciting. Great work Donna.
The explanation of the meaning of movement as communication in the beginning of this talk was very important. I think the therapist, Donna Newman-Bluestein explained and also physically demonstrated this in a very clear and coherent way. I also appreciated her explanation of, “dance/movement therapy builds upon what a person can do”… especially when concerning individuals with dementia. This small change of focus between can do and cannot do can make such a large difference in a therapeutic setting, and in making the life of an individual with dementia easier in their life outside of therapy. The focus and social standards for care for individuals with dementia is a sad one, and I believe that with the use of dance/movement therapy the currently held ideas can be changed into more positive ones. This was a fantastic talk!
The focus on what a client can do is part of basic philosophy of dance/movement therapy. Our work is strength based and it does make a tremendous difference in how a person perceives him or her self and how s/he can reach out and make an impact on others.
This video gave me a very different perspective on this topic. I think it it so important that people are able to see this way of thinking when helping and assisting people with dementia. The focus on non-verbal communication with dementia patients is very critical, and the way in which the patients respond to this type of communication is very important to notice and act upon. I love how she refers to dance and movement therapy as creating a "new dance" because you are improvising and working on the client's strengths. Great video!
Thank you, Noel.
I think this video shows the importance of how we need to treat the elderly better. Many people are sent to nursing homes where they are isolated in a room and this is not right. I think one of the strongest things she said was that we tend to think about what a person can’t do. But Dance movement therapy helps build on what a person can do. Ultimately, allowing the patients to be creative and come up with their own movements can stimulate new neuron pathways. Watching them dance and move can also help people understand what they are trying to communicate if they have not been able to do so verbally. Like we have learned throughout the course, our nonverbal movements can communicate immense things. If I make large movements and move quickly that will communicate something different than if I am slow and not making eye contact. Dance movement therapy allows for a new way to understand and connect with individuals who have a unique situation.
Although dementia is a terrible disease, the people who suffer from it are not helpless, even though it may seem that way sometimes. Because they still have control of their arms and head, they are able to be quite eloquent in the nonverbal gestures. The best way to keep them engaged and happy is to move with them through space. Thinking about nonverbal communication, the most relevant aspect is haptics, because touch is one of the only things that dementia patients are still able to do. One of the most essential things that Donna talks about is that dementia patients are still people with dignity, even if they are not fully in control of their minds.
In watching this video, I learned that through movement you can achieve an authentic emotional connection with a person regardless if they are terminally ill. I learned through taking nonverbal communication that it is important to acknowledge, respect, and honor life. It is when this exchange has happened that a person will trust and therefore express and savor life while also feeling safe in their environment What spoke to me the most is that as a member of the human race I must respect human life and to listen to its wisdom and knowledge, no matter how difficult life gets--we must never disconnect from the human experience.
People who are terminally ill are sometimes the people who need this type of therapy, expression, and communication the most. Great talk
Dementia is a tragic loss of the ability to communicate our basic wants, needs and love of things that used to be familiar. Donna Newman-Bluestein illustrates the importance of dance and movement therapy and the impact it brings to those who have often been forgotten, those around them thinking they have nothing left to contribute. Encouraging those with dementia to participate in these groups gives them a chance to let them feel like they are having an impact and show them that what they do matters, and this will in turn help them participate more. It was wonderful the way she described that those who are participating feel as though what they are doing is impacting those around them, something they probably haven't felt in quite a while.
The concept from our class that jumps out in my mind is the loss of regulators, or gestures and movements that maintain and regulate the back and forth between speakers and listeners during dialouge. I can't imagine being stuck in my body without the ability to regulate conversation with those around me. The work Donna is doing with this patients exemplifies the importance of bringing something else to the table to allow the patients to be creative and express themselves.
She mentions that our society "warehouses" the older population, and we should instead offer them respect and honor them. I fully believe this should be the case and we should offer them the respect of finding other ways to allow them to contribute and be themselves, even in the ways they aren't used to. They have plenty left to give and experience in this world, we owe it to them.
I love how movement can help people develop a sense of control during a time when they may not feel in control.
Agree, I enjoyed how the speaker reframed the narrative around dementia by emphasizing what individuals with dementia can do rather than focusing solely on what they can't and how they can regain control.
Thank you for expressing the importance and necessity of what we do. Be well
This video is so important as it reminds us how our actions can impact other individuals. Non-verbal communication accounts for so much of our communication and it is imperative that we reflect on how we are being perceived by others, especially if they have a cognitive disability such as dementia. As a CNA, it is easy to get overwhelmed during a 12 hour shift, but it is vital that we do not show that when entering into a room of someone with dementia.
Great points! Consciously thinking about our energies entering space is extremely important, whether it be in a therapeutic setting or not, with individuals with dementia or not, etc.
I love how this video focuses on strength-based therapy. The focus in working with patients is on their strengths and what they can do, not about fixing their weaknesses. It is also very relationship focused, bringing that to the forefront of the therapy. Using this kind of positive therapy to respect and relate to our elders is indicative of a culture that respects the old and the sick.
I agree with this. It is cool that they work with patients to further their strengths instead of fixing their weaknesses like you said. I especially think this is important with older people since it sometimes is too late to fix their weaknesses anyways.
One particularly striking example was the use of familiar music combined with simple, guided movement to trigger recognition and evoke positive emotional responses. The speaker described how even individuals with advanced dementia were able to engage through rhythmic movement, smiling and making eye contact, showing a temporary but powerful connection to their past.
I agree. The use of rhythmic music to connect someone with Dementia with their memory is such important and exciting new body of research. I hope implementing movement with the use of music can help people maintain the ability to move safely for longer and reach new portions of their memory they may not have been able to by just using music.
Thanks so much for the wonderful dance/movement therapy work you do with such a vulnerable population!
Donna Newman-Bluestein demonstrates the importance of nonverbal communication between caregiver and Dementia patients by relating the audience to the plight of those afflicted with dementia. I thought it was particularly interesting in the manor she went about explaining non-verbal communication. She first broke up the part by stating what it was (posture, our shapes around others, space, and rhythms) and then demonstrating the differing values of each. For example when given rhythms, she first speeds up her hands to demonstrate the quick or accelerate movement in time, and then slows down her movements to highlight the sustained or decelerate movement in time. Simple yet effective way to communicate the different categories of movement without actually stating them in verbal communication.
Donna Newman-Bluestein discusses how people with diminishing
cognitive abilities depend on their individual feelings about the environment
and the people in it to feel safe. As dementia affects the individual’s
attempts to communicate, the person relies on nonverbal attempts to
communicate. Dance movement therapy targets the lack of sensory inhibition in
clients with dementia and frees them up, allowing them to be present. Patients in
dance movement therapy are showered with stimuli and observed as they respond. When
they see that their movements are being mirrored, it allows them to notice that
they are making an impact and are being seen. New neural pathways are
developing as therapists interact and engage with dementia patients. It is
important when Donna says that “we honor them when we dance with them”, because
these elderly people that suffer from advance dementia are being locked away. They
are being forgotten. It is important to invite them to be present in the moment
and allow them to be them, in their last days, while they still can.
Donna Newman-Bluestein talks about how Dance Movement Therapy is about forging a healing relationship where dance and movement create a loving and welcoming environment through nonverbal communication. People with dementia have been forgotten by society but they are still humans that seek emotional attachment and recognition from others, they just lack motivation. People with dementia can actually be very lively with they receive attention. Dance movement therapy builds on what a person can do. Newman-Bluestein goes on to talk about how our body movements can express how one is feeling. We talked about these movements knows as effort qualities in class. In the video she also went over how we can create loving and caring environments through our posture, which we discussed has a major influence in nonverbal communication. One of the things that stood out to me in her talk was when she mentioned that it is important to honor people with dementia's decision to resist as much as any other choice.
Individuals with dementia are very real, genuine, and aware of everyone’s feelings. However, they need tons of attentions because they lack motivation and they need to be reminded of how to connect to things and other people. They become empowered when they see reactions and when they see that they had an affect on something. We learn that the older we get, the less tough we experience, but this is extremely important, especially with people with dementia. They need interaction and extra care. While they interact, it is important to watch their body and see if they are closed off, reaching for something, holding back their arms, or any other movement they make. These are very important because they describe how that individual feels even thought hey cannot say t in words. I think it is very important to highlight the fact that when people think of individuals with dementia, they automatically think about the things that that individual is unable to do, rather than all of the other aspects of their life. “They remain a person [and] dance movement therapy builds on what a person can do.” This is something that everyone should remember.
Dementia is a very interesting population for DMT. DMT is not only viewed as a therapy, but as a form of expression/ communication. This group can definitely benefit from DMT. Very inspiring.
Dementia is unfortunately one of the fastest growing and most impactful issues the elderly community is being faced with. She passion for this population is radiant as she want to make change to assure the coming generations do not go though all the same battles.
Dementia is an incredibly confusing and painful illness for the people suffering from its symptoms as well as those who love the patients. The biggest trouble with dementia is that the victims lose many of their verbal capabilities and have a great deal of communicating their emotions with those who are not willing to alter their own communication style to understand and respond appropriately. However, through the use of nonverbal comm and dance therapy, professionals and loved ones are able to bring the patients out of their feelings of helplessness. As we discussed in class, the use of space, time, direction and force play a big role in interacting and communicating with those who can only communicate nonverbally. Although our elders suffer from an illness which robs them off full comprehension and communication capabilities, they are not obsolete and useless people. They are still human beings with a lot of knowledge, love and energy to offer the world. All it takes is someone willing to try a different method of communicating.
"Nonverbal is defined by what it isn't- that is not words". This is such an interesting statement and I really liked how she related that to our communication and space we use. I like how she further related that to dementia and misunderstood gestures. I do want to point out that she uses the phrase "confined to a wheelchair" when talking about individuals with disabilities. It is impolite to refer to someone being stuck or reliant on a wheelchair. This is because, as she stated, we should focus on what a person can do. A better phrase would be "an individual who uses a wheelchair." Otherwise, nice talk. Thank you.
This is Donna. Thank you for pointing out that the phrase "confined to a wheelchair" is disrespectful. That is an important reminder that can cause suffering, and I will be conscious of how I phrase that in the future. At the same time, there are many people with dementia who are actually forced to be in wheelchairs, not because they cannot walk, but because it is easier to make sure they are safe, rather than having sufficient staff to walk with them or providing them with regular exercises specifically to improve their balance.
This video justified why my family chose not to place my grandmother in a home when she was diagnosed with dementia. Placing her in a home was not going to help in any way. Sadly, its true what she says that people only focus on what dementia patients can't do, often forgetting that they just need extra motivation and social interaction. She states that dance movement therapy does the exact opposite of what people tend to do with those who suffer from dementia. Dance movement therapy highlights what dementia patients can do, what their body can still communicate nonverbally. Also how we react nonverbally is essential to their condition; this reminded me of the efforts exercises we did in class using direct and indirect movements, quick or sustained movements and strong and light movements.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
beautiful presentation! Such great explantations and examples. Really makes you think on a respectful, reflective level.
Donna Newman-Bluestein discusses the importance of being able to interpret the body movements that people with dementia are trying to communicating.
Newman-Bluestein describes how our body movements can express one's state of mind. Our attitudes are conveyed through movements. These movements are known as effort qualities. Moving in a certain way, speed, or direction can affect our mood as well as communicate amongst one another. Newman-Bluestein explains that when we misinterpret these movements they become behaviors of dementia. Then this is when people with dementia close up and refrain from communicating. We need to be aware of any adaptors that may be communicating negative signs of emotion. As well as focusing on posture to react to any signage of reservation or submission. Newman-Bluestein mentions her talk that even when a person can longer function they are still a person. Many times we assume that since he/she is unable to communicate or move then there is no use. Our minds are still working, we are still listening, watching, and feeling everything around us. There is bound to be some type of reaction.
Thank you I found this video inspiring I am enjoying music and movement with a lovely group thank you for an insight that will drive me forward x
I had never before thought of how patients with dementia have a greater socioemotional intelligence as they rely on others nonverbal cues and the energy in a room to get their cues on how to navigate the world rather than their own memories.
That's such an insightful point! It really shifts the perspective on how individuals with dementia interact with the world. Their heightened sensitivity to nonverbal cues and the energy around them speaks to a different kind of intelligence-one that’s rooted in presence and connection rather than memory.
This was also a new idea for me to consider. I felt so many times during my work as a CNA how patients with dementia were able to generate perceptions about me from something as simple as walking into their room. I hope that through this understanding I can work to improve my nonverbal communication to put patients at ease.
Very inspiring and helpful. thank you
I really liked how the speaker stated how DMT can create curiosity and creation that can help the neural pathways develop and make patients with dementia feel seen heard and appreciated. I believe that DMT can be used is such a positive way for patients with dementia that can create safe and caring environments to improve their wellbeing.
I agree! Dance movement therapy can engage the brain in a way that traditional methods may not.
I agree! This is one of the most unique and striking components of the field of DMT.
Individuals suffering from dementia often feel emotionally unsafe due to a change in how they are treated by those around them as the disease progressively causes cognitive degeneration. Through dance movement therapy, nonverbal communication aids to help those with the disease to express themselves in a more free and effective manner. Albeit verbal language is one of the first processes to go, dance movement therapy is an incredibly useful outlet since 93% of communication occurs non-verbally. Touch is a human biological need, and consequently, the older one gets the less touch they receive. The implementation of haptic communication through the use of dance movement therapy is physiologically and psychologically beneficial. Dr. Newman does well to communicate to her listeners that although these people are suffering from a cognitive condition, they are still people, and as such, deserve to be treated better.
In every space and moment there is an emotional charge or energy & dementia patients are quite good at picking up on others feelings, which could make them feel judged or emotionally unsafe. DMT creates a loving, caring environment through NVC, like posture, the way we move in our kinesphere. The way you move with patients will convey your attitude to patients. It's interesting that dementia patients have a strong energy inside them, dormant. DMT helps bring this energy and emotional sensitivity out.
I had no idea that dementia patients could pick up on so much. I never noticed but they do demonstrate a lot of nonverbal feelings. I am glad that DMT focuses on this form of communication that people with dementia use and create a safe space for them. This is a great post and I love how you focused on the way dementia patients pick up on movements and exhibit nonverbal cues.
People with dementia are unable to access motivation, have lost their ability to judge, and they feel safe through their social and emotional environment. Dance movement therapy creates an environment that allows them to not only feel safe, but also recognized. Society has forgotten about people with dementia and it seems like they are locked away, but they are still human beings with human emotional needs. Dance movement therapists can determine their needs by looking at their nvc, such as their effort movements. Sometimes when they are exposed to certain stimuli, people with dementia they can withdraw, which can give clues to the type of attention one may need. In the end, it is important to honor those who "paved the road" before us, because they matter.
The presenter Donna Newman-Bluestein talks about how it is important to touch and connect to the elderly with or without dementia. In today’s society we put our elderly into retirement homes and forget about them and what they need the most and that’s human interaction. Newman-Bluestein really stresses the importance touch has on people and how we function but especially the effect on the elderly. She also speaks about how they are still very able to communicate their effort and interest in the activities through their quality of movement. My biggest take away from this presenter is the urgency of how important touch is to for us as people and for how we communicate or don’t communicate with others.
This presentation took nearly ideas on movement that applied to everyone and showed how they also apply to the elderly and those suffering with dementia. I've never put much thought into the treatment of reality, but it seems terrible for them to be "warehoused" and limiting and demeaning to be seen for what they CAN'T do. If these have/do get momentum they likely have/will make profoundly positive change in the treatment of elders in general, not to mention those with mental disorders.
I went back to Ballet because of my mental health and it really helped, My UA-cam channel also works with simple ballet movements with something for everyone that they can do in their own houses.
Bravo, Donna. Good talk. I wish you could come to my field training site.
Right! I wish she could come to the VA I work at as well.