Music & Your Brain Documentary

Music has the potential to reach developing babies while still in the womb. At the other end of life, music also has the potential to reach elderly people, including those struggling with degenerative conditions of the brain.

“What is it about music that moves us so intensely and directly, and how can it be employed in the treatment of neurological and physical disorders?” This question and other s are answered and explored in the documentary, “Music on the Brain.”

The simple act of listening to music, may help people with Alzheimer’s, or other forms of dementia, to reconnect with the people around them and even remember past life events. The non-profit organization Music & Memory has made it their mission to aid those with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia through music.

The organization works with nursing home staff and elder care professionals, along with family and caregivers, to create and provide personalized music playlists. These playlists are then used in digital audio systems, such as MP3 players and iPods, by people with dementia.

When executive director Dan Cohen first thought of the idea in 2006, he was surprised to discover that none of the 16,000 long-term care facilities in the America, were using iPods for their residents.

He then made efforts to change that and today personalized music programs are available in thousands of nursing homes and other facilities across America and the world.

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