Still Here
September 21st 2021, we mark the World Alzheimer's Day with an interactive, outdoor photo exhibition. It conveys how music therapy can promote positive health in people with dementia. The exhibition is held at Torgallmenningen in the city centre of Bergen.
Main content
Dementia affects many of us. Despite the challenges dementia may give, people continue to have a need to belong and feel valuable. The title of the exhibition expresses that you are still yourself when you develop dementia. The exhibition and the research project behind it provide a unique insight into how music therapy can provide joy, coping and community.
We encourage visitors to bring their own earphones and smartphones to experience the interactive part of the exhibition.
Increased knowledge about music therapy
The exhibition "Still here" will convey knowledge about music therapy for dementia through photos and audio files. The audio files will be available from a website. The website also provides an overview of music therapy programmes available in the region of western Norway.
The therapeutic use of music can provide a sense of coping, arouse positive emotions, and have a relaxing effect.
Increased wellbeing and better communication
The exhibition will also present the results of the study “Tailored music therapy for dementia”. The research project shows that music therapy increases wellbeing and improves communication with carers. The website linked to the exhibition also provides an overview of ongoing research projects on music therapy for older adults in Norway.
Project staff. From the left: Music therapist Stine Andrea Sognes, Professor Inger Hilde Nordhus, photographer Ingvild Constance Festervoll Melien, research fellow Kristine Gustavsen Madsø. Head of clinic Minna Hynninen was not present during the photo shoot. Photo: Ingvild Constance Festervoll Melien.
We need to talk more about dementia
The theme of this year's International Alzheimer's Day is to talk about dementia and address the stigmatisation that many people living with dementia experience.
Still here is a communication project initiated by researchers at the Department of Clinical Psychology, Alrek Health Cluster, in collaboration with NKS Olaviken Gerontopsychiatric Hospital in Bergen.
Expert panel for the exhibition
Professor Brynjulf Stige, POLYFON Knowledge Cluster for Music Therapy, music therapist Solgunn Knardal, NKS Olaviken Gerontopsychiatric Hospital, Associate Professor Margery Vibe Skagen, Faculty of Humanities, Communications Manager Margareth Barndon, Faculty of Psychology, music therapist Johan Klætte, Competence Centre for Dementia, Bergen Municipality, and music therapist Guri Gjermstad Dypvik, Øygarden Municipality.
Photo: Ingvild Festervoll Melien. Portrayed participants in the project have authorised the use of the images, which are copyrighted and protected by law.