Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Effects of Music on Dementia Patients

Playing in theatres, at this time, is the documentary, "Alive Inside",   In this film, produced through Music and Memory.org.

The premise is exciting!  That one hour with music from the patient's past (played on an individually specialized playlist) can help patients with speech, memory, mood, and activity levels.   I have not seen the movie, but there are wonderful clips which, of course, demonstrate the impact.  One of the most vital is that of Henry, shown below: (please excuse the brief commercial before the clip)


There are other stories, which I hope to present, as well.

This is exciting.  This has made me think that, perhaps, there might be something to this for Mom, insofar as helping her reconnect to events in her past, and  rei-tie some of the synapses that have been dissolved by the lewy bodies.

The patients shown in this movie are all from different stages of dementia - many have lost the ability to communicate or even to interact with others.  The music seems to change all this.

Here is an explanation of the project, as it was being implemented in Toronto (once again, please forgive the commercial, should it appear):




While music seems an integral part of the programs involved in care facilities, this takes it one step further.  It's personal.

I'm not trying to plug the film, but it raises a great number of questions, and also possibilities.

It's fascinating!

Did you realize this is a project that is implemented in all 50 states, and in Canada?  Some states are rife with the program involvement at numerous facilities.  Alas, in Oregon there is but one, and it's not the one where Mom resides.  However, that could change....

If you visit the website, you might be impressed enough to help their cause, but no one will judge you if you don't.  You may even be interested in becoming involved in some manner.  Who knows?  You could awaken possibilities in so many lives.

Finally, I'm going to finish with an interview of the people behind the film.  I hope you find it as exciting as do I.

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