How Alzheimer's is directly affected through steps 2 & 3 of the TTAP Method

The TTAP Method is a Multimodal approach - which is defined as a program that addresses behavior, affect, sensation, imagery intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships. This construct was first developed by psychologist, Arnold Lazarus in the 1950's and has been proven to be the most effective approach for the individual diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

The following is an image of the specific refions of the brain stimulated through the TTAP Method

Step 2 - Music and Meditation

If you continue to add the other Steps to your programming, such as

Step 3- Drawing and Painting the brain is stimulated further.

The TTAP Method ...Step 6

This is the work of one of my students who did the TTAP Method with their grandmother and this is a poem that they wrote together.



The poem reads... "Irish, American, that is me. Manhattan, Bronx, to Westwood New Jersey. Green, happy, giving back when I can. I only hope that I can help another and make someone’s day better. Life is what I live for. 92… get out of here!”

The power of the TTAP Method

Step 8: Themed Event

One of my students did the TTAP Method with her grandmother and for the themed event and they did a holiday theme. Her grandmother drew a Christmas tree and she said it was her favorite time of the year. Her grandmother likes to give and it is the season for giving.

DID YOU KNOW THAT?

The multimodal approach that the TTAP Method™ is based upon, enables individuals to explore textures and materials in a various structured and complex forms (Levine Madori, 2006,2009).

The group centered approach facilitates Gerotranscendence in the individual’s ability to self identify their strengths through concentration and the act of creativity (Tornstam, 2007).

Imagination, creativity and the art process fosters artistic ability which is associated with improved information processing (Furnham & Chamorropremuzic,2004; Chamorro-Remuzic, & Furham,2005).

The individual with AD still has 6 strengths throughout the entire disease process, which have been identified as CCDERS and stand for Communication, Connecting to others, Differentiate, Express, Recall and Self Express (Levine Madori, 2009).

Theme Centered Approach-THE TTAP METHOD

The above diagram represents the TTAP Method's psycological approach in a dynamic group interaction.

Each of the points of the triangle represent three aspects of thematic group programming; at the top (12 noon) is the THEME, moving to the lower right corner of the triangle is the INDIVIDUAL and continuing around to the third point of the triangle is WE. The TTAP Method utilizes this powerful psychological interaction in structured and systematic protocols found in the book. The interaction between the INDIVIDUAL and WE are enhanced by the THEME of the discussion. This communication structure has been documented to enhance emotional and intimate sharing which offers participants a multitude of opportunities for positive reminiscing which has been proven to enhances cognition.

TTAP Method Grant in New York State!!!

Good Afternoon Everyone!

I am honored to announce that on Wednesday, October 19th, I was notified by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services in conjunction with the Office on Aging that the TTAP Method has been identified as a "Best Practice" approach to training those serving the aging population through New York State. All healthcare professionals, including social workers, healthcare assistants, CNAs (certified nursing assistants), recreation therapists, and art/music therapists will be invited to participate in this statewide grand opportunity.

The details of this grant will follow, which indicate that New York State is providing this educational grant which expects over 180 healthcare professionals, who are providing services to the ever growing aging population, to receive TTAP Method Certification Training in all six regions of New York State. All trainings will be held on Fridays/Saturdays.

The New York training will be conducted at Downstate Medical Center where the Director of Alzheimer's Research, Dr. Carl Cohen, has given additional monetary support to provide a conference room and food, and his research staff will be attending the training.

THE DOCTOR LINDA SHOW IS HERE!

THE DOCTOR LINDA SHOW will be broadcast weekly starting TODAY, September 12th, at 4:30 on WVOX Radio 1460 AM or go to www.WVOX.com