M is for Music and Memories
Music and It’s Relationship to Memories
Research shows that music and memory are closely related. Music can elicit memories from a particular time in your life, triggering forgotten emotions about relationships, love, joy, fun, tragedy, heartbreak or loss. The mind creates a place deep inside where these memories are stored. Hearing those songs can bring back vivid recollections of the past at times when you least expect it.
Read: Music Makes Memories More Magical!
Dan Cohen, founder of MUSIC & MEMORY® began a program which introduced iPods and MP3 players to dementia patients at care facilities and in their homes. His research showed that an Alzheimer’s patient could be reconnected to the world through music.
In a CBS interview, Cohen said: “Our senses — sight, smell — really light up a very small part of the brain. But music lights up many parts of the brain. So even though the brain may deteriorate in certain areas, other areas of the brain are still very much there”.
[clickToTweet tweet=”Every time I hear that song, it brings back memories of you.” quote=”Every time I hear that song, it brings back memories of you.”]
In 2012, “Alive Inside: A Story of Music and Memory“, a documentary about Cohen’s work, was shown at Rubin Museum of Art in New York City. The video clip of Henry, included in the documentary, went viral and the world became increasingly aware of the influential, positive work of Music & Memory.
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I was moved by this video of Henry, who was one of the patients first impacted by Dan Cohen and his work. His reaction is priceless and was instrumental in increasing awareness and boosting support for the Music & Memory program.
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Today, MUSIC & MEMORY® Certified Care Organizations bring personalized playlists to the residents worldwide. They collect donated Apple Music players in working condition and take donations to support their work. Do you have a gently used iPod that you no longer need? Help MUSIC & MEMORY® spread the music and find your iPod a good home with someone like Henry.
Keep Passing Down the Love,
If you missed the previous posts in the #AtoZChallenge series, click here for the complete list.
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Music taps into my deepest memories. When I was a small child my parents had music everywhere in our house and I immersed myself in music. There are so many of my life events and phases that correspond to musical memories. I enjoy coming up with “Life Soundtracks” to facilitate memory.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Touching your deepest memories – that’s the key for Alzheimer’s patients as well. They can be reached through those deep memories through the music when no other method has worked. I, too, enjoy playing music from my younger days and recalling where I was or what I was doing when I first heard it.
I thought I’d commented on this already Kimberley because there have been several AtoZers who have chosen Music as their “M” word – it’s such an important part of our lives isn’t it? It’s lovely that they can use it for dementia patients to make their lives better. I know that there is a song (or ten) for every stage of my life – particularly those turbulent teenage days!
Leanne | http://www.crestingthehill.com.au
M for Make It Happen
It is so fortunate that they have recognized the link for those with Alzheimer’s and that they are acting on that information. Otherwise unreachable people are being touched in a positive way!
Kimberley, this is a beautiful post. And what an amazing video! Thank you for sharing. My mother-in-law spent her last years wrapped in a cocoon of Alzheimer’s. How I wish I’d known then about this therapy! Next post in the challenge: N is for Nourish your Life, Nourish your Mind. #atoz
I thought it was a wonderful thing to know about. I’ve not faced it personally yet, but my parents are getting older and you never know where life will lead. The video is really moving, for sure!
I love music! It is such a big part of my life and memories!
What an amazing video you shared. It was very touching and awesome to see the effects of music on the mind. I shared this and sent if to my husband who loves and plays music.
Via Blogging Grandmothers
Kathleen,
It really is a wonderful project to help dementia patients. Thank you for sharing.
So true. Music does bring back memories for me with every song I hear…I relive that time in my life. Beautiful video.
I agree, Pamela. It’s funny how even a few notes of a song can bring back a time in your life!
Love this post and I can relate as some songs take me back to when I was a child, others back to when I was a teenager, and so on. Shared your post x 4 ♥
The video really touched me. I had to write this post about it. Thanks for sharing!
I love this and it’s oh so true! When my daddy was “out of it” at the end of his life I would turn on his music and he would tap his foot and sing along!!
My mom has dementia and music is a huge part of what she enjoys right now. I’ve started playing movie theme songs from the 1940’s and she loves them! I know it brings back memories for her, but she’s not able to verbalize them. Music matters!!
Dementia can be such an ugly, sad thing. Bringing a little joy through music can feel good and be so encouraging!