A new book is out that suggests when nothing seems to help the elderly and people with dementia, perhaps they can benefit from hearing music that they like.
'Music and Mind' by acclaimed singer Renee Fleming probes that relationship.
Renee is now the editor of the new book "Music and Mind: Harnessing the Arts for Health and Wellness," which contains essays by researchers, music therapists and artists including Yo-Yo Ma and Anna Deveare Smith.
In 2015, famed soprano Renée Fleming helped launch a collaboration between the Kennedy Center and the National Institutes of Health to explore how the arts and health intersect.
Source: Here and Now wbur boston NPR April 9 2024
It's fascinating to witness those who can barely speak or who remember very little sing every word to a song that they knew growing up.
I witnessed this first hand a few Christmases ago when I went out Christmas caroling with a few folks from my caregiver support group to the homes of those who were still caring for their loved ones with dementia.
It was beautiful to watch as these demented folks sang every word to the Christmas songs that we sang right along with us.
There were several times that I got choked up witnessing the power of music in an otherwise broken brain. It was magical to say the least!!!
So yes by all means play the music that your demented loved one grew up with or always loved. You will be amazed and blessed by their reaction.