Why memories of music cannot be lost to Alzheimer's and dementia

[orchardaudio]

Interesting article.

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/...-and-dementia/

[take5]

Thanks for that link. I enjoyed seeing Henry’s story.

My dad had Alzheimer’s and passed away early this year after a long decline. So, I know the score.

For the last few years I have gone into Care homes with a jazz trio to play for the guests, and regularly see a similar reaction to Henrys.

Folks who had been sleeping suddenly waking up and singing along. Some even get up if they can and try to dance.

Recently an old lady who had been asleep, woke up, prised herself up and on to her zimmer, took about 10minutes to get over to where we were, motioned for me to move a little, then came and joined us and faced her chums. Beaming from ear to ear to be part of the band.

Without any doubt, music can stimulate a reaction in some folks. It is fantastic.

Ps some folks charge a fee to go in and play. I dont.

[Alex_UK]

Thanks for that link. I enjoyed seeing Henry’s story.

My dad had Alzheimer’s and passed away early this year after a long decline. So, I know the score.

For the last few years I have gone into Care homes with a jazz trio to play for the guests, and regularly see a similar reaction to Henrys.

Folks who had been sleeping suddenly waking up and singing along. Some even get up if they can and try to dance.

Recently an old lady who had been asleep, woke up, prised herself up and on to her zimmer, took about 10minutes to get over to where we were, motioned for me to move a little, then came and joined us and faced her chums. Beaming from ear to ear to be part of the band.

Without any doubt, music can stimulate a reaction in some folks. It is fantastic.

Ps some folks charge a fee to go in and play. I dont.

Thanks for sharing that Brian. Not sure what to say really, except respect to you. Respect.

[ReggieB]

It is fantastic..

Absolutely. Well done you!

[Barry]

Absolutely. Well done you!

Yes well done!

[dave2010]

Absolutely. Well done you!

Seconded and thirded. Sounds like a scene from Awakenings. Great to hear of people who have the time, skills and motivation to do this sort of thing.

One person we met was a male nurse in a hospital. Not a musician, but a really great guy, and dealing with some difficult cases. Obviously he was paid, but perhaps not a lot. We’d ask him about his days off, but sometimes we’d find he was working on his days off. Unlike some others who were presumably on overtime pay, it appeared that he was prepared to work for nothing as he felt that it was more important to help people than stay at home or go fishing.