Music can often trigger some of our happiest memories in life. It is why we choose songs to mark milestones such as weddings, graduations and even birthdays. And, most recently, science is showing us that music has the ability to unlock the memories of patients who are afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease.
Music can help patients who are experiencing cognitive memory loss recall memories and emotions. Musical aptitude and appreciation are two of the last remaining abilities in patients with memory loss, making music an excellent way to reach beyond the disease, and reach the person. As well, music has the ability to shift mood, manage agitation, and stimulate positive interactions.
For these reasons, Plaza Health Network’s Jackson Plaza created a Music & Memory program geared toward patients with cognitive disorders. While Alzheimer’s disease damages the ability to recall facts and details, it usually does not destroy the lasting connections between a favorite song and special music memories from important events. Plaza Health Network is using music to access those memories stored deep in the brain by tapping into the emotion that one’s special music can provoke.
“Music appreciation is an ability that remains in patients with cognitive depreciation, even after other abilities have faded away,” said Elaine Bloom, Plaza Health Network Chief Executive Officer, “Our Music & Memory program affects patients’ quality of life and sets Plaza Health Network apart as an innovative leader in care and services for our elderly.”
Research has shown that music can improve awareness, mobility, socialization and temperament in individuals with cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease. It can also reduce the need for certain medications.
The Music & Memory program is generously funded by the Anthony Abraham Foundation at both Jackson Plaza and, most recently, Ponce Plaza. Each participant receives an IPod and headphones to listen to a personalized playlist that is created for him/her based on discussions with the patient and members of their families. Playlists are refreshed approximately every three months.
“It is a great pleasure to observe the residents smiling while listening to their personalized music playlists. They are more interactive with each other, more energetic and happier all around! By bringing back the past we hope to stir their memories and their emotions. ” says Rachel Schuster, Executive Vice President of Facilities Administration at Plaza Health Network, who first embraced the initiative.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, by 2050 the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease may nearly triple, from 5.2 million to a projected 13.8 million. This is why it is important to begin implementing programs now that can get individuals with the disease out of a state of complete apathy and respond to stimulation. Ultimately, the goal for Plaza Health Network is to have this program available at all six of their centers throughout Miami-Dade County.
“This program was launched through our philanthropic efforts,” said Ilene Zweig, Executive Director of the Plaza Health Network Foundation. “Our next step is to continue to raise funds so we may expand this program to our additional facilities and thus bring this life-changing experience to even more of our patients.”
