Alzheimer's Association offers free virtual music program

The Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter will present “Something for Alz: Musical Moments” led by music therapist Timothy Doak via Zoom through August. This interactive music program utilizes music to help people with dementia interact and reconnect with their loved ones. The program, which started on Saturday, July 31, will be held from 11 a.m. to noon Saturdays Aug. 7, 14, 21, and 28.

Now in his second year presenting the program, Doak spoke fondly of the interactions he has with participants, even when it is presented over Zoom.

“One really wonderful thing about Zoom is you can see everybody right in your sight,” he said, adding that he finds the interactions between him and the participants very easy and effective because he can make eye contact with participants and watch what everyone is doing at the same time. This also makes it easy for participants to see him and follow along.

Doak said the music itself is an important aspect of the interaction with the participants.

“Even if you are sitting back and just listening, you are still interacting with the music and having a shared experience,” Doak said.

He said gaining people’s attention and keeping them involved is also an important part of the experience, adding that one way he does this is by choosing songs familiar to the participants’ age demographic.

“That experience alone brings back memories, creating experiences where the individuals are remembering their lyrics and singing along,” Doak said. He said he usually has participants fill in the lyrics to songs or sing while he plays and even encourages them to write their own songs to stay engaged.

Doak said he is passionate about rekindling connections between people with dementia and their loved ones, recalling how hearing their wedding song made it possible for a wife with dementia to cherish that moment with her husband, something she hadn’t been able to remember for years.

Doak says music is a powerful tool that can be used to heal and comfort. He said he wants people to remember how music rebuilds connections from our past, reminding others about the love they have for one another.

About the Hudson Valley Chapter

The Hudson Valley Chapter serves families living with dementia in seven counties in New York, including Duchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. To learn more about the programs and services offered locally, visit alz.org/hudsonvalley.

About the Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all dementia. Visit alz.org.