Interesting article about music and memory

Ed1937

https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/02/26/songs-music-memory-connection/  

Joydean

Thank you Ed for sharing this. It really was enlightening. I have noticed that if I play certain songs for my dh he seems to be more motivated and tries to talk more at those times. I can see the light in his eyes. Music is a tool we can all use.

Stuck in the middle

Our local AA has regular music sessions at the public library meeting room for PWDs and caretakers.  I couldn't interest my DW in it, as neither of us has any musical ability, but a newspaper article said it helped those who went.

toolbeltexpert

I can say I have witnessed the results, I had visited at the mcf where my dw is for 8 years  long before I placed dw. I sang with the residents it is incredible even non verbal folks would sing. But seeing Bills video of him dancing with his wife tells me that rhythm and motion are tied together as well a double bonus for the caregiver to engage with their lo.

gampiano

I can vouch for the effectiveness of playing music throughout the day. it is soothing, relaxing, and when the tempo changes , energizing. My husband's disposition has improved, and he is motivated to keep time and move around when we play jazz and r&b. Amazing....

Nowhere

Bringing in an inexpensive ukulele brought smiles, songs, stories and even inspired a dance amongst my husband’s memory care peers. Music is transcending. Thanks, Ed.

GothicGremlin

I've seen the benefits as well. Back in the day Peggy sang in a band, gigged a lot. Now, in memory care, they do karaoke and other singalongs, and Peggy just comes to life. Her voice is still strong, and most of those '80s lyrics are still there (Berlin, Pat Benatar, Cyndi Lauper, etc.).

It's kind of amazing to see.

Another Day

Music therapy or would it be music for therapy? Either which way, it works. It can be mood setting or mood changing. I am a believer.

eaglemom

One of the most beautiful moments I've ever witnessed (I have tears & goosebumps even typing this) involved music. At our local ALZ Chapter we were doing an art project - in the background she had music playing. 

The woman wasn't interested in the art but was intently listening to the music and swaying in her chair. She had frontal temporal dementia and Parkinson's, so very so movements and almost nonverbal. The next song came on & several others were more interested in moving in their chairs than the art - which was fine. By the time the third song came on she had pushed her chair away from the table, stood on her own, raised her hands and was moving about without any restrictions. Her DH was standing in the doorway with tears, as several others of us were. Next she was tapping people to 'dance' with her. Absolutely beautiful to witness & participate in. This kept going for probably 20 minutes then she sat down and that 'moment' was over.

Personally I have music on in our house for DH. I find it soothing for me and he enjoys it. We listen to a variety of music, that way its always something different. If DH is having a rough day I revert back to music of our high school days and use it to begin conversations. I highly recommend music.

eagle

Ed1937

Eagle, what a nice story. Thank you!!