Music is powerful, it can create a thread of memory – helping us to recall happier times, and taking us to a place in our lives that we have long forgotten – even into the very late stages of the disease.
Music is stored as procedural memory which is associated with rhythm and repetitive activities. As Alzheimer’s and other related dementias progress, while other memories fade, a person’s ability to engage in music, particularly rhythm playing and singing, remains intact late into the disease process.
At Landmark, we create play lists on iPods. Listening to their favorite songs and artists allows music to tap into the memories of our seniors. This can shift mood, manage stress-induced agitation, stimulate positive interactions, facilitate cognitive function, and coordinate motor movements. These positive effects all create a happier, calmer atmosphere, which assist in improving the quality of life of our senior adults.
This is one of the many ways that we create moments of joy for you and your family at Landmark.