How Music 'Awakens' Alzheimer's Patients

[bohohippybeatnic]

Also, sorry about your dad analoggal. You should definitely try the polka music.

 

[Magic]

My Gram was 93 when she had a stroke, and spent her last days (weeks, actually), in a state of 'unawareness', I guess. It wasn't really a coma.

She always loved music, and played the piano, and my grandfather would tap dance.

Anyhow, I'd come in every other day or so, and hold her hand and talk to her. One day I brought in a small cd player with all the stuff we'd dance to with her when we were young.

When 'The Twist' came on, she squeezed my hand. I knew from then on, even though she couldn't speak, or move, she was there and heard everything I was saying.

Wow. That's the first time I ever told anyone that.

That is an amazing story, Vehicle. I bet it is a memory you will never forget!

I bet that is an interesting read. Like I said in my OP, music is the ONLY thing that affects our entire brains. I would love to read how this has been studied, especially on those whose brains interpret music differently.

 

[Magic]

“We all respond to music”: How tunes are helping patients with Alzheimer’s

The state of Wisconsin is handing out hundreds of iPods to Alzheimer’s patients, as part of the “Wisconsin Music and Memory Initiative.”

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, researchers from UW-Milwaukee will study the patients to see whether their moods improve, and whether they are able to decrease their medications.

The program is simple. Participants will receive headphones and iPods — loaded with their favorite tunes.

People familiar with the Music and Memory program say old songs can trigger fond memories and have a calming effect — especially after dinner.

Officials with the Department of Health Services say the state provides iPod Shuffles, headphones and iTunes cards which can be redeemed for songs.

One state official says the program will cost the state $180,000 — but officials claim that the program is “fully funded” by civil penalties collected from nursing homes which are fined for violations.

State officials say researchers at UWM will study 1,500 Alzheimer’s patients in the Wisconsin Music and Memory Initiative, to see if the program results in a decrease in medications.

“We all respond to music”: How tunes are helping patients with Alzheimer’s | FOX6Now.com

 

[bohohippybeatnic]

The state of Wisconsin is handing out hundreds of iPods to Alzheimer’s patients, as part of the “Wisconsin Music and Memory Initiative.”

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, researchers from UW-Milwaukee will study the patients to see whether their moods improve, and whether they are able to decrease their medications.

The program is simple. Participants will receive headphones and iPods — loaded with their favorite tunes.

People familiar with the Music and Memory program say old songs can trigger fond memories and have a calming effect — especially after dinner.

Officials with the Department of Health Services say the state provides iPod Shuffles, headphones and iTunes cards which can be redeemed for songs.

One state official says the program will cost the state $180,000 — but officials claim that the program is “fully funded” by civil penalties collected from nursing homes which are fined for violations.

State officials say researchers at UWM will study 1,500 Alzheimer’s patients in the Wisconsin Music and Memory Initiative, to see if the program results in a decrease in medications.

“We all respond to music”: How tunes are helping patients with Alzheimer’s | FOX6Now.com

That's interesting and wonderful that there doing this to help people with Allzhiemers.