‘It’s the power of music that does that’: Memory loss patients engaged through music performances
By Samantha Pastorino
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OMAHA, Nebraska (KETV) — A partnership program between the UNO School of Music and the UNMC Department of Neurological Sciences is studying how music can help Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.
“When we develop Alzheimer’s and dementia, the part of the brain that processes music is relatively unaffected throughout all the stages of dementia. So, if someone hears a song that they heard in their 20s or 30s, it can automatically trigger a ton of different emotions and memories,” Mary Perkinson, founder and director of Music & Memory, said.
Music & Memory’s overall goal: to contribute to the lives of older adults.
UNMC neuropsychologist Vaishali Phatak says there are lots of types of memories, but studies show music specifically can evoke memories of experiences that occurred in a person’s life, known as autobiographical memories.
“We find the music that we have listened to in our late adolescence or early adulthood can provoke the most vivid memories,” Phatak said.
That is why during a Music & Memory session, you will hear songs from artists such as the Beatles and see audience members’ eyes light up at the sounds.
“As we start playing and doing the sessions, there’s this light of recognition in their eyes, and they’re connecting with us on a different level,” Perkinson said.
Songs are performed by both professional quartets and the UNO Maverick String Quartet.
Perkinson says they hope those students are inspired to create programs like this of their own as they progress academically.
Members in the audience do more than listen at these sessions; they perform along with the music.
“I think it’s their minds going back and just having a clear recognition. They can smell the memory, they can feel the memory, they can touch the memory, and it’s like right in front of them. It’s the power of music that does that,” Perkinson said.
If you would like to support the Music & Memory program, click here.
Perkinson says all donations go toward research and the program’s growth.
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