By Lynne Katzmann, CEO & Founder of Juniper Communities
Music is profoundly linked to personal memories and emotions, and science shows that our brains are hard-wired to connect music with long-term memory. Music & Memory is a program that seeks to create an artistic exploration that has far reaching benefits for all participants. Founder Dan Cohen said when he created the program, which gives older people iPods loaded with personalized music selections, his goal was to provide each recipient with a selection of preloaded music that could bring back recollections of happy occasions.
One Juniper Village family member said, “If you have ever gotten a lift when you unexpectedly hear a favorite song, you can begin imagining the pleasure it brings to the residents to have an iPod full of their favorites.” She said the listeners are not only soothed and calmed, but that Music & Memory also provides a “great deal of comfort and mental stimulation.”
Research has shown that the power of music can spark compelling outcomes even in the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease. This is due to the fact that rhythmic and other well-rehearsed responses are influenced by the motor center of the brain, and require little to no cognitive or mental processing. As a result, even those in late stage dementia who are non-verbal can often be engaged in singing, rhythm playing, dancing, physical exercise and other structured musical activities that can diffuse the agitation and frustration they may be feeling due to their inability to process environmental stimuli.
Music can also provide a way for families to reconnect and express affection. The daughter of one Juniper Village resident raved about the efforts and described Music & Memory as a “fabulous addition to the program. I heard that Mom was discovered singing to the music and smiling. I know she enjoyed music evoking happy memories of a time when she was young and in love with my Dad.”
Juniper Communities is proud to be part of the Music & Memory (www.musicandmemory.org) program. Visit www.junipercommunities.com to learn more about our communities.