In the documentary film “Alive Inside,” headphones are placed on a woman with dementia, who hasn’t opened her eyes or communicated in two years. Within moments of hearing a favorite old song, she is moving to the music under her bedcovers. Others in the movie begin to dance, to sing, and even to cry when they hear songs that spark a profound emotional response in them.
The subject of the film is Dan Cohen, founder of the nonprofit organization Music & Memory, which promotes the use of digital music players with individualized playlists to improve the quality of life for elders (watch it online at www.aliveinside.us). Aging can erase a person’s identity, Cohen says in the film, but music can help restore that sense of self.
Now, employees at several Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America communities are becoming certified in the Music & Memory program, including RaShelle Hensley, social services director for Salina Presbyterian Manor. Among other benefits, Hensley hopes the music therapy may reduce the need for antipsychotic medications in some residents.
“Music can really affect that. Music affects different parts of the brain, and that can stimulate the parts that have been affected by dementia,” Hensley said. “The goal is to download music that has meaning to that person. It could be something they sang when their kids were little, or something from their wedding or a special occasion.”
Her training including guidance on talking with residents and their family members to create personalized playlists. Salina Presbyterian Manor received 10 new and refurbished iPods and headphones to start the program. Hensley is seeking donations of more devices, plus iTunes gift cards to purchase songs online and load them onto the players. That’s the time-consuming part, so Hensley would welcome volunteers to help with that task.
The program isn’t restricted to memory care, and Hensley eventually would like to offer iPods to as many residents as possible.
“I know when I listen to oldies stations, I hear music that makes me think back to high school, or grade school even, with one of my friends,” Hensley said. “Those memories from long ago are still there, whether they can express them or not. That’s what the music does – it brings back those memories.”
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