More than Memories: Health and Hope through Music

We hear quite a bit in the news about the power of music to stir memories, enhance  interaction and increase joy for people with dementia but Dr. Mary Mittleman,, a researcher at the NYU Comprehensive Center on Brain Aging has introduced a new musical experience which benefits not only the person who is experiencing memory loss but also brings about a shared experience which brings the joy and power of music into public view.

Dr. Mittleman created “The Unforgettables”, a chorus made up primarily of people who are dealing with dementia as well as their family members, most usually a spouse.

The chorus performs in New York under the director of Tania Papayannapoulou along with Dale Lamb. They bring the concert into full swing with songs about love, joy and hope.

While the chorus offers a joyful experience for participants and audience members, the chorus also has very positive proven health benefits. Participation in the chorus has shown to delay placement in nursing homes for approximately 18 months for those experiencing memory impairment. Participation of family caregivers has been proven to reduce levels of stress and depression and physical illness.

One of the biggest accomplishments of the chorus is that the performances bring people together in a joyful, shared experience.

View “The Unforgettables” at this news link:

http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/video?id=8311805