Music & Memory

Even for persons with severe dementia, music can tap deep emotional recall. For individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s, memory for things—names, places, facts —is compromised, but memories from our teenage years can be well-preserved.

Favorite music or songs associated with important personal events can trigger memory of lyrics and the experience connected to the music. Beloved music often calms chaotic brain activity and enables the listener to focus on the present moment and regain a connection to others. Persons with dementia, Parkinson’s and other diseases that damage brain chemistry also reconnect to the world and gain improved quality of life from listening to personal music favorites. For additional information see Music and Memory.

With our Music & Memory program a library staff person will meet with the individual with dementia and their caregiver(s) to develop a personalized music list. Library staff will then download those pieces of music to an iPod. Staff will teach the caregiver(s) how to use the iPod. Each participant receives a free iPod and a set of headphones to use for as long as they wish.
To sign up for this program contact Amy Christian at (920) 563-7790.