The Alzheimer's Society of Toronto has developed a Music & Memory program based off of Dan Cohen's using an iPod shuffle. The program has been attempting to harness the power of music to help improve the quality of life for people living with dementia.
The Music and Memory iPod Program in New York was created by Dan Cohen, MSW. A movie based on his work, Alive Inside, has recently been released. He has documented amazing results of Alzheimer's patients making connections to memories, to people and to the envirnoment around them through music provided on an iPod.
Music and Memory
Music is the one tool that can have an almost immediate effect on the Alzheimer's patient. The reaction to a song which may not have been heard for decades can be dramatic. Music is an amazing way to reach a patient who may otherwise appear to have no communication skills. The ability of Alzheimer's patients to engage in music seems to reach in and touch the essence of the person. They do not require congnitive ability to be able to sway, respond, or even sing a song. What is important is that the choice of songs is individualized to each person. Since the long term memory is the last to diminish, the chance that there will be some memory of songs from their childhoold or youth is possible.
Music can have such a powerful effect on a patient, that it is possible to bring back a memory associated with the music. This works for both good and bad memories. If a person becomes very agitated the music should be stopped immediately. With the proper pairing of music to patient there is a potential for increased interaction, better moods, more co-operation, less frustration and possibly an increased feeling of belonging.