Music and Memory- A therapeutic approach for those living with memory loss

Aaron Copland, one of the most well  respected composers of the twentieth   century, once said, “So long as the human spirit thrives on this planet, music in some living form will accompany and sustain it.” The sustaining power of music is evident with MRC’s Music and Memory program.  

A  custom  playlist  is  built  for  Elders living with memory loss to reflect songs that may have been meaningful to them    during their formative years or, they can participate in live music presentations. These personalized musical sessions bring  a  sense  of  calm,  evidence  of decreased pain and have even shown signs of improved cognition. One of the most outstanding  outcomes  of  the  program is a decreased reliance on mood-altering medications.

Yvonne Seifert, MRC’s Vice President of Clinical Services, explained, “Music seems to reconnect us to the world around us while calming the chaos in our minds.  It is extraordinary how music can reignite those deeper parts of our consciousness that even dementia can’t touch. It’s refreshing to watch their eyes fill with life as they sing along to lyrics that have been written on their hearts.”    

Music and Memory is a non-profit organization with whom MRC partners to equip caregivers to use effective music therapy.

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