Importance of Music and Dementia and Alzheimer's Care

According to the article, the connection between music and memory function in the brain is compelling, and Land of Sky Regional Council is working to spread the music around for those with dementia.

The Just Press Play Coalition at Land of Sky is working to put iPods in long-term care facilities throughout the region, and a free screening of the award-winning film "Alive Inside" 2 p.m. Thursday at Epic Theatres will help show why.

Here’s how it works: Those with memory issues who listen to music that they have a personal connection with — especially when it’s from their youth, whether it’s Big Band, country music, folk or Elvis Presley hits.

The faces of residents often light up when songs from before their cognitive decline are played for them — Price said the individualized music can effectively replace anti-psychotic medications that address behavioral issues like agitation and anxiety.

“I think it should be used like medicine — as in it should be used routinely and as more of a preventative,” said Price. So, if a patient regularly feels agitated at 4 p.m., getting them to put on the headphones at 3 p.m. can help cancel out the agitation.

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