This is a message directly from Marcy:
As an entertainer who has performed many times in nursing homes where dementia patients are present, I have seen firsthand how music immediately affects the mood and alertness of such patients. I see their eyes open up, their feet begin to tap, their lips move as they sing along, and a brightness in their faces. But I have only recently become aware of Music & Memory, a program I am now in love with.
Music & Memory is a certified program that utilizes personalized iPod playlists to bring joy and reawakening to Alzheimer's and other dementia patients. The immediate result of hearing familiar and beloved music is nothing short of amazing.
Although long term benefits are not yet claimed and are currently being studied, the immediate and short term effects are obvious and undeniable, resulting in enabling patients "to feel like themselves again, converse, socialize and stay present." (from the Music & Memory web site.) CLICK HERE to watch a video that dramatically and joyfully shows one such result with a patient severely affected by Alzheimer's. This video got me excited about getting involved.
Patients are provided with an iPod containing a personalized playlist based on their age and information provided by family members. The familiar music reaches what is often the last remaining part of the brain function, triggering deep memories, not yet lost to dementia.
I'll bet everyone out there has some connection to a loved one suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's. I know I do. My cousin, who was just my age, began her decline into Alzheimer's while still only in her early 50's. Her sister, only a couple years older, is now tragically lost in her own form of dementia. The word 'heartbreaking' doesn't even begin to describe it.
But this simple form of 'music therapy' is bringing joy and recognition to the patient, and unmistakable moments of connection to life, and to family and friends who for so long have gone completely unrecognized by their loved one. Miraculous. (Again, I urge you to watch the video.)
So I am asking my friends to learn more about this amazing and simple form of 'therapy' and to give support through donating gently used iPods or monetary gifts to provide nursing homes and hospice care facilities with the tools needed to help their patients and their families in a profound way. (Maybe you can also urge your local nursing home to become a certified Music & Memory facility.)
Click on the Music & Memory picture logo at the top of this page to learn more about this beautiful and much needed program and to find out how to donate, or even become involved as a volunteer.
I will be getting more involved in volunteer efforts to raise awareness, organize iPod drives, and wholeheartedly endorse this wonderful program.
Blessings to you all,
Marcy
As an entertainer who has performed many times in nursing homes where dementia patients are present, I have seen firsthand how music immediately affects the mood and alertness of such patients. I see their eyes open up, their feet begin to tap, their lips move as they sing along, and a brightness in their faces. But I have only recently become aware of Music & Memory, a program I am now in love with.
Music & Memory is a certified program that utilizes personalized iPod playlists to bring joy and reawakening to Alzheimer's and other dementia patients. The immediate result of hearing familiar and beloved music is nothing short of amazing.
Although long term benefits are not yet claimed and are currently being studied, the immediate and short term effects are obvious and undeniable, resulting in enabling patients "to feel like themselves again, converse, socialize and stay present." (from the Music & Memory web site.) CLICK HERE to watch a video that dramatically and joyfully shows one such result with a patient severely affected by Alzheimer's. This video got me excited about getting involved.
Patients are provided with an iPod containing a personalized playlist based on their age and information provided by family members. The familiar music reaches what is often the last remaining part of the brain function, triggering deep memories, not yet lost to dementia.
I'll bet everyone out there has some connection to a loved one suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's. I know I do. My cousin, who was just my age, began her decline into Alzheimer's while still only in her early 50's. Her sister, only a couple years older, is now tragically lost in her own form of dementia. The word 'heartbreaking' doesn't even begin to describe it.
But this simple form of 'music therapy' is bringing joy and recognition to the patient, and unmistakable moments of connection to life, and to family and friends who for so long have gone completely unrecognized by their loved one. Miraculous. (Again, I urge you to watch the video.)
So I am asking my friends to learn more about this amazing and simple form of 'therapy' and to give support through donating gently used iPods or monetary gifts to provide nursing homes and hospice care facilities with the tools needed to help their patients and their families in a profound way. (Maybe you can also urge your local nursing home to become a certified Music & Memory facility.)
Click on the Music & Memory picture logo at the top of this page to learn more about this beautiful and much needed program and to find out how to donate, or even become involved as a volunteer.
I will be getting more involved in volunteer efforts to raise awareness, organize iPod drives, and wholeheartedly endorse this wonderful program.
Blessings to you all,
Marcy
My cousins (left and center) and me (right) in happier days.